El Paso, Texas – In a modest community hall in far‑east El Paso, the Texas A&M University AgriLife Research Center hosted a public briefing on the New World Screwworm (NWS) parasite, a pest that threatens livestock and can impact local farms and ranches.
Local experts share latest data
Entomologist and extension specialist Sonja Swiger, who leads the Center’s outreach program, told attendees that Texas has recorded 49 NWS animal cases statewide, with only two active cases remaining as of Monday. Those active infections involve a goat and a sheep in Val Verde County, according to USDA data.
Swiger emphasized that the Center has delivered more than 400 presentations across Texas, directly reaching nearly 200,000 individuals. “We’re working really hard to get the word out and to educate the public,” she said.
Why the parasite matters to families
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the flesh of warm‑blooded animals, causing severe tissue damage and, if untreated, death. While the parasite primarily affects livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep, it can also pose a risk to pets and wildlife.
For families who raise animals on their property, early detection is crucial. Swiger outlined three simple steps: inspect animals daily for open wounds, keep pastures clean of carrion, and report any suspicious lesions to the Texas Animal Health Commission immediately.
Coordinated response from state agencies
The meeting was a joint effort with the Texas Animal Health Commission, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Representatives from each agency explained how they monitor the parasite, conduct field investigations, and coordinate treatment efforts.
State officials highlighted that the recent decline in active cases reflects the effectiveness of coordinated surveillance and rapid response. They also reassured residents that the agencies have the resources and expertise to contain any new outbreaks.
Community questions and next steps
Attendees asked practical questions about treatment options, quarantine procedures, and how to protect neighboring farms. Swiger provided contact information for the AgriLife Extension office and encouraged residents to sign up for future workshops.
She noted that the Center plans additional meetings in other parts of the Borderland region over the coming months, aiming to reach more families who rely on livestock for their livelihoods.
What residents can do now
Anyone who suspects a New World Screwworm infection should contact the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1‑800‑555‑1234 or visit the agency’s website for reporting guidelines. Early intervention can save animals and prevent the parasite from spreading further.
The AgriLife Center will continue to monitor the situation, provide educational resources, and work closely with state partners to safeguard Texas’s agricultural community.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
