Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration to Prevent New World Screwworm Fly Infestation
Austin, Texas — January 29, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday issued a statewide disaster declaration aimed at preventing the potential spread of the New World screwworm (NWS) fly into Texas, authorizing additional state resources to protect livestock, wildlife, and the state’s agricultural economy.
Although the destructive parasite is not currently present in Texas or elsewhere in the United States, state officials warn that its continued northward spread from Mexico toward the southern border poses a serious risk. The New World screwworm fly lays eggs in open wounds on animals, and the resulting larvae feed on living tissue, often causing severe injury or death if left untreated.
“Although the New World screwworm fly is not yet present in Texas or the U.S., its northward spread from Mexico toward the U.S. southern border poses a serious threat to Texas’ livestock industry and wildlife,” Abbott said in a statement. “State law authorizes me to act to prevent a threat of infestation that could cause severe damage to Texas property, and I will not wait for such harm to reach our livestock and wildlife.”
The disaster declaration allows the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to fully deploy state prevention and response resources, including interagency coordination, surveillance, and emergency measures if an outbreak were detected. Abbott said the declaration ensures Texas can act quickly and decisively to prevent the parasite’s re-emergence.
“With this statewide disaster declaration, the Texas NWS Response Team can fully utilize all state government prevention and response resources to prevent the re-emergence of this destructive parasite,” Abbott said. “Texas is prepared to fully eradicate this pest if need be.”
As part of the state’s preemptive efforts, Abbott has directed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Animal Health Commission to establish a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team. The state has also partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to develop a new $750 million Domestic Sterile NWS Production Facility in Edinburg, Texas. The facility would play a key role in eradication efforts by producing sterile flies used to disrupt the pest’s reproduction cycle.
Texas officials say the declaration underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding its multibillion-dollar livestock industry and preserving wildlife populations through early action and aggressive prevention strategies.
