A quarantine has been declared across portions of 10 Texas counties after the New World screwworm was detected in livestock. The Texas Animal Health Commission is handling the situation, and a quarantine is in effect for warm-blooded animals in the designated areas.

Affected Counties

The affected counties include Edwards, Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, and Zavala. Owners of animals in these areas are required to obtain prior authorization from the Texas Animal Health Commission before moving them out of the zone.

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, posing a threat to livestock, wildlife, and humans. The adult fly can be identified by its large orange eyes, yellow face, metallic blue body, and three stripes along its back.

Gov. Greg Abbott has activated the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to support the state’s response to the reemergence of the pest. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide daily updates on the situation.

Prevention and Treatment

The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends keeping wounds clean and covered, sleeping indoors or in screened shelters, wearing loose-fitting long sleeves and pants, using an EPA-registered insect repellent, and treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. People who see or feel larvae in or on a wound should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.