As the New World Screwworm continues to migrate northward from south of the border, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging state officials and local livestock producers to remain vigilant as the flesh-eating parasite has been detected in the Mexican state of Nuevo León — approximately 60 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border.
“This is not some distant problem. It is a direct and imminent threat to Texas,” Miller said in a press release. “This is a high-stakes situation for our ranchers, our livestock industry, and our food supply.”
The update follows a Jan. 29 state-wide disaster declaration released by Gov. Greg Abbott in which he authorized the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to utilize prevention and response resources provided by the state to prevent the NWS outbreak from crossing the Texas border.
