Austin, Texas — June 18, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott today announced a major federal investment aimed at combating the reemerging threat of the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic pest capable of devastating livestock and wildlife populations. The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, includes approximately $105 million distributed across 40 projects nationwide—several of which are led by Texas-based 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.”
Background: A Persistent Agricultural Threat
The New World screwworm, once eradicated from the United States in the 20th century through coordinated sterile insect programs, has remained a constant concern due to its presence in parts of Latin America and the risk of reintroduction. The pest’s larvae feed on living tissue, posing severe risks to cattle, wildlife, pets, and occasionally humans.
Texas, with its extensive livestock industry and proximity to international borders, has historically been on the front line of prevention and response efforts. Past eradication campaigns—considered one of the most successful examples of biological pest control—relied heavily on releasing sterilized flies to collapse breeding populations.
New Investment and Research Efforts
The newly announced funding will support a wide range of innovative approaches. Texas recipients include Texas Tech University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas Medical Branch, and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, among others.
Projects funded in Texas will focus on:
Enhancing sterile insect techniques
Developing advanced traps and attractants
Creating new treatments and therapeutics
Using artificial intelligence for surveillance
Deploying drones for monitoring and rapid response
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of innovation in tackling the pest.
“These projects represent the creativity, scientific rigor, and determination we need to safeguard American agriculture and our food supply,” Rollins said. “We have beaten this pest before, and by leveraging new technology, we will beat it again in record time.”
The Grand Challenge, launched in January 2026, drew 226 applications requesting roughly $664 million, highlighting the urgency and national concern surrounding screwworm preparedness.
Current Status and Public Guidance
While there is no widespread outbreak currently confirmed in Texas, officials stress that vigilance is critical. State agencies warn that early detection remains the most effective defense against a potential resurgence.
Residents—especially ranchers and pet owners—are urged to:
Regularly inspect animals for unusual wounds or infestations
Report suspected cases immediately
Avoid moving potentially infected animals
Suspected cases in livestock and pets should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission, while wildlife concerns should be directed to Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists.
State and federal officials say the combination of public awareness, rapid reporting, and cutting-edge research funded through this initiative will be key to ensuring the pest does not regain a foothold in Texas.
As Abbott noted, “Texas is ready—not just to respond, but to finish this fight once and for all.”
