AUSTIN – Texas universities and research institutions are set to receive major federal funding aimed at strengthening the state’s ability to detect, control, and eradicate the New World screwworm, a pest that threatens livestock and other animals.

In a release from the Office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, the governor highlighted Texas-based recipients selected for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s New World Screwworm Grand Challenge. USDA announced about $105 million for 40 projects nationwide, with multiple awards going to Texas institutions.

Texas is no stranger to the New World screwworm threat, and we are prepared to push this danger out of our state for good,” Abbott said. “These grants will empower Texans on the front lines to eradicate the screwworm and protect our livestock industry. I thank Secretary Rollins for her swift action on these awards and for her steadfast support as Texas brings this pest to its end.

Texas institutions receiving awards include projects led by Texas Tech University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, The University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and other Texas A&M entities, according to the release.

The funded work includes sterile insect technique enhancements, new traps and lures, therapeutics, AI-enabled surveillance, drone monitoring and other tools intended to bolster preparedness and response.

We launched the Grand Challenge expecting bold, innovative, and science-backed ideas to fight New World screwworm, and the proposals delivered just that,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said. “These projects represent the creativity, scientific rigor, and determination we need to reinforce our existing efforts, empower our producers, and safeguard American agriculture and our food supply. We have beaten this pest before, and by leveraging innovative solutions and advancements in technology, we will beat it again in record time.

USDA launched the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge on Jan. 21, 2026, as part of Rollins’ five-pronged plan to support producers, protect the food supply and build long-term resilience. The initiative drew 226 applications requesting about $664 million before USDA selected the 40 projects to be funded.

State officials urged Texans to remain vigilant by inspecting livestock and pets for wounds and reporting suspected cases, including in wildlife, immediately.

For livestock and pets, reports can be made to the Texas Animal Health Commission’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242.

For wildlife reports, contact Texas Parks and Wildlife’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505. Officials also advised people not to move affected animals.

More information and updates are available through the Texas Animal Health Commission at tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html and the USDA at screwworm.gov.