{"id":343070,"date":"2026-06-19T16:39:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T16:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/343070\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T16:39:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T16:39:37","slug":"texas-leaders-highlight-federal-investment-in-fight-against-screwworm-resurgence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/343070\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Leaders Highlight Federal Investment in Fight Against Screwworm Resurgence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Austin, Texas \u2014 June 18, 2026 \u2013 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\u2014several of which are led by Texas-based institutions.<\/p>\n

\u201cTexas is no stranger to the New World screwworm threat and we are prepared to push this danger out of our state for good,\u201d Abbott said. \u201cThese grants will empower Texans on the front lines to eradicate the screwworm and protect our livestock industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Background: A Persistent Agricultural Threat<\/p>\n

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\u2019s larvae feed on living tissue, posing severe risks to cattle, wildlife, pets, and occasionally humans.<\/p>\n

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\u2014considered one of the most successful examples of biological pest control\u2014relied heavily on releasing sterilized flies to collapse breeding populations.<\/p>\n

New Investment and Research Efforts<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Projects funded in Texas will focus on:<\/p>\n

Enhancing sterile insect techniques<\/p>\n

Developing advanced traps and attractants<\/p>\n

Creating new treatments and therapeutics<\/p>\n

Using artificial intelligence for surveillance<\/p>\n

Deploying drones for monitoring and rapid response<\/p>\n

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of innovation in tackling the pest.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese projects represent the creativity, scientific rigor, and determination we need to safeguard American agriculture and our food supply,\u201d Rollins said. \u201cWe have beaten this pest before, and by leveraging new technology, we will beat it again in record time.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Grand Challenge, launched in January 2026, drew 226 applications requesting roughly $664 million, highlighting the urgency and national concern surrounding screwworm preparedness.<\/p>\n

Current Status and Public Guidance<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Residents\u2014especially ranchers and pet owners\u2014are urged to:<\/p>\n

Regularly inspect animals for unusual wounds or infestations<\/p>\n

Report suspected cases immediately<\/p>\n

Avoid moving potentially infected animals<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As Abbott noted, \u201cTexas is ready\u2014not just to respond, but to finish this fight once and for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"
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