MILAM COUNTY, Texas — Five cases of New World Screwworm remain open nationwide, including four in Texas, as ranchers and state leaders urge vigilance but caution against panic.
Texas’ fourth case was confirmed after a goat in Gillespie County became infected. Rancher and veterinarian Dr. Jared Ranly said the situation is not dire yet and encouraged ranchers to prepare a plan for managing their herds.
“Don’t panic and try to start hoarding a bunch of products. There’s a lot of product out there,” Ranly said.
Ranly urged ranchers who suspect an infection to report it.
“If you have a suspect animal, contact your veterinarian or contact the Texas Animal Health Commission,” he said.
He also said that after a report is made, someone will inspect the animals to determine whether there is a positive case.
“And if it does get confirmed, then yes, your locale is going to be placed under quarantine,” Ranly said.
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The Texas cattle rancher also addressed concerns about the cost of dealing with an infected animal, saying labor is the biggest expense.
“So our biggest cost that we’re going to deal with is the labor. The labor required to catch these animals, to observe these animals, to restrain them for treatments. The treatment cost isn’t that bad. We’re estimating anywhere from $5 to $20 per head,” he said.
He also added that there is no threat of having to get rid of an infected animal among the flock.
“There’s not going to be any forced liquidation, and not a single animal have to be sold,” he said. “I guess if the case was bad enough, we may have to euthanize that animal for humane reasons if it was beyond treatment.”
Ranly adds the best chance to save the animals is to establish a treatment protocol as fast as possible, “now nobody needs to be, be concerned about having to force sale or destroy animals, anything like that,” he says.
On Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott encouraged ranchers to monitor their livestock closely.
“Check your animals daily. Check for any wounds, even small wounds like tick bites on navels or newborns or other openings. Treat wounds promptly and work to reduce fly populations around your operations,” Abbott said.
A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service estimated the economic impact of New World screwworm from a 2024 outbreak at more than $732 million in losses for Texas producers and more than $1.8 billion for the Texas economy.
Ranly said he does not expect a short-term impact on beef availability.
“In this short term deal, there’s going to be no issue with beef supply,” he said. Ranly also says there’s also no concern with the quality of the beef.
People with questions are encouraged to contact the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242.