Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n Issues Disaster Declaration for Zavala and Uvalde Counties<\/p>\n Governor Greg Abbott today received a briefing and updated\u00a0Texans on\u00a0the state\u2019s response following confirmation of a New World Screwworm (NWS)\u00a0detection\u00a0in Texas.\u00a0The Governor also issued a disaster declaration for Zavala and Uvalde Counties.<\/p>\n \u201cI am issuing an updated statewide disaster declaration to make two things very clear,\u201d said Governor Abbott. \u201cFirst, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government to respond to this disaster and reassign resources from across the state as needed to address NWS. Second, I am making all state personnel available to accelerate the movement of sterile flies into Texas and the construction of the new sterile screwworm production facility in Edinburg. We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again.\u201d<\/p>\n The Governor was joined by\u00a0Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)\u00a0Executive Director Dr. Lewis R. \u201cBud\u201d Dinges, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D., Director of the New World Screwworm Directorate for the\u00a0U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)\u00a0Rear Admiral Michael Schmoyer, and other elected officials and state responders.<\/p>\n The Governor\u2019s disaster declaration <\/a>deploys all available state resources\u00a0to respond to this threat and prioritizes resources to Uvalde and Zavala counties.<\/p>\n The\u00a0NWS\u00a0is not a worm.\u00a0It\u00a0is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into and feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals, particularly livestock, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, humans. If left untreated, it can cause serious injury or death.<\/p>\n Because of Texas\u2019 early and decisive actions, the\u00a0State\u00a0was prepared to respond\u00a0to this threat. Texas is working closely with\u00a0state\u00a0and federal partners to execute a robust containment and eradication strategy.<\/p>\n Governor Abbott is also making all personnel, including those from\u00a0Texas’ University Systems, available to accelerate the movement of sterile flies into the state\u00a0and accelerate the construction of the federal government\u2019s NWS Sterile Fly production facility in Edinburg.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Sterile Insect Technique is a proven eradication\u00a0method the federal government has successfully used in the past. Sterile Insect Technique deployment continues. Sterile male flies are being released to mate with wild females who only mate once in their lifetime, producing non-viable eggs and collapsing the population naturally. Prevention requires the release of millions of sterile flies in targeted regions, and the USDA is now importing and dispersing those flies in South Texas.<\/p>\n Resources are being leveraged from the TAHC at tahc.texas.gov\/emergency\/nws.html <\/a>and\u00a0USDA\u00a0at screwworm.gov<\/a>\u00a0for producers, veterinarians, and the public.<\/p>\n Last\u00a0year, Governor Abbott directed<\/a>\u00a0state agencies to establish the joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team, which brought together livestock producers, veterinarians, wildlife experts, and federal partners to prepare in advance. He also issued<\/a>\u00a0a statewide disaster declaration to mobilize resources and strengthen Texas\u2019 prevention and response efforts before any case was detected.<\/p>\n Protecting Texas livestock, wildlife, and pets requires vigilance from every Texan. Here is what Texans need to do immediately:<\/p>\n \tInspect livestock, pets, and other animals daily for any wounds, even small ones like tick bites, navels on newborns, or other openings. For the latest updates and resources,\u00a0Texans should visit the Texas Animal Health Commission (tahc.texas.gov<\/a>), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas.gov<\/a>), and USDA (screwworm.gov<\/a>).<\/p>\n
\n\tTreat wounds promptly\u00a0and work to reduce fly populations around your operations.
\n\tImmediately report any\u00a0suspected NWS infestation to TAHC. Anyone can report a suspected case, not just veterinarians. Do not move the animal.
\n\tYou can report suspected cases to the\u00a0TAHC\u00a024-hour veterinarian call line: 1-800-550-8242
\n\tIf you observe deer, feral hogs, exotic game animals, or other wildlife showing signs of infestation or unusual wounds, report it immediately to the\u00a0TPWD\u00a0or your local TPWD wildlife biologist. TPWD wildlife biologists can be reached at (512) 389-4505.
\n\tThis is a highly treatable condition if acted upon quickly.
\n\tClosely monitor outdoor pets, especially those with exposed or untreated wounds.\u00a0
\n\tFollow all quarantine, identification, and animal movement requirements issued by TAHC.\u00a0<\/p>\n