The Texas Animal Health Commission confirmed the first detection of New World screwworm in a calf in Zavala County on June 3. Since then, additional cases have been identified in Texas and New Mexico, including infections in a dog and a goat.

Response Efforts

Twelve faculty and staff members from Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are part of the initial deployment to help conduct animal inspections, treatments, and sample collection in affected areas.

State officials are encouraging those with livestock and pets to monitor animals closely for wounds or signs of infestation and seek veterinary care if concerns arise.

The New World screwworm was eradicated from the United States in 1966 through sterile fly release programs. Federal and state agencies are now using similar eradication strategies in affected areas.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.