Source: National Hog Farmer
Texas is expanding its response to the New World screwworm following federal funding approved through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). The funding will allow TAHC to hire 15 temporary employees, including 10 field inspectors as well as emergency management and epidemiology specialists, to strengthen surveillance and containment efforts.
Governor Greg Abbott said the additional resources will help protect Texas livestock producers and the state’s agricultural economy from the destructive parasite. The announcement builds on several recent initiatives, including the creation of a statewide New World screwworm response team, a $750 million sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, a statewide disaster declaration, expanded emergency operations, and a free online certification program for inspectors. State officials continue urging livestock owners, pet owners, and wildlife managers to inspect animals for suspicious wounds, report suspected cases immediately, and avoid moving affected animals to help prevent further spread of the parasite.