Texas Governor Greg Abbott has unveiled an expanded state website to centralize information and resources for Texans about the New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak. The site, screwworm.texas.gov, is intended to serve as a single hub for materials produced by state agency partners working on the NWS response.

New World Screwworm Threat

The New World screwworm is a fly that lays its eggs in the open wounds and body openings of warm-blooded animals. The eggs hatch into parasitic maggots that burrow into and feed on the living tissue or flesh, according to the CDC. As of Friday, 11 cases of confirmed screwworm infestations have been reported in Texas.

The New World screwworm poses a direct threat to Texas livestock, wildlife, and our rural economy, said Governor Abbott. This new website puts essential tools in the hands of our producers, veterinarians, and families. Screwworm.texas.gov delivers the facts, maps, identification methods, and certification resources Texans need to detect problems early and report cases without delay.

Resources and Support

The portal offers fact sheets, videos, and educational materials, along with guidance on how to spot NWS and how to collect samples. Users can also view Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) NWS zone maps, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) case dashboard, and links to best practices for livestock and wildlife.

Texans are urged to examine livestock and pets for wounds and to report suspected cases, including those involving wildlife. Reports involving livestock and pets can be made to the TAHC’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242, while wildlife cases can be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505.

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