AUSTIN - Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today issued the following statement following confirmation of the northern-most New World screwworm detection in the Mexican state of Nuevo León, only 90 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border:

 

“The New World screwworm is not some distant problem. It is a direct and imminent threat to Texas, and we are treating it that way. This is a high-stakes situation for our ranchers, our livestock industry, and our food supply, and we are moving aggressively to stay ahead of it.

 

While the USDA has taken steps to respond, the reality is the spread of the New World screwworm has not been successfully contained to date. That is a serious concern, and it underscores exactly why Texas must be proactive in dealing with this threat. We are fully engaged and prepared to escalate every available tool to ensure this threat is stopped.

 

I am calling on every Texas producer to be on high alert right now. Check your animals. Know the signs. If you see anything unusual, report it immediately. There is zero margin for delay when it comes to screwworm. Early detection is the difference between containment and a full-blown crisis that could devastate herds and livelihoods.

 

We are working with our federal, state, and local partners, but it is clear that more must be done to stop the spread at the source. Texas has defeated screwworm before, and we will do it again — but it takes urgency, accountability, and immediate action across the board.”

 

For more information on New World screwworm detection, prevention, and reporting protocols, visit Screwworm.gov.

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