Gov. Greg Abbott announced the launch of a free online training program designed to increase the number of certified New World Screwworm inspectors across Texas, a move aimed at helping livestock continue moving through the state’s agricultural supply chain.
The training course, unveiled on June 13, was developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. State officials said the program will allow more Texans to inspect animals and certify the documentation required for their movement.
“The State of Texas will use every tool to protect our cattle industry and wildlife while we eradicate this pest,” Abbott said. “AgriLife and TAHC moved quickly to launch this training. Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement. Through this program, Texas will protect our ranchers, ensure the security of our food supply, and keep business strong.”
The online course is offered through the AgriLife Learn platform and includes narrated lessons, demonstration videos, and knowledge assessments. Topics include New World Screwworm biology, surveillance and reporting procedures, inspection and treatment protocols, agency responsibilities, and livestock movement permitting requirements.
Participants who meet Texas Animal Health Commission eligibility requirements and pass a final exam may apply to become certified inspectors authorized to issue official treatment and movement certificates for livestock leaving infested areas.
Phase one of the program expands eligibility to several groups, including licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents, Texas Department of Agriculture inspectors, Texas Department of State Health Services meat safety inspectors, Texas Racing Commission inspectors, animal control officers, livestock deputies, and designated personnel from temporary livestock aggregation sites. The course is also available to any Texan seeking educational information.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said increasing the number of trained inspectors will play a key role in combating the pest.
“Stopping the spread of NWS will not be possible without our inspectors knowing what to look for, that’s why today’s announcement is critical to keep our cattle industry on track,” Rollins said. “We encourage everyone who is able to help us identify and report suspected cases to help eradicate this pest as fast as possible. Grateful for Governor Abbott, TAHC, TPWD, and AgriLife for being amazing partners in this fight!”
The announcement is the latest step in Texas’ response to the New World Screwworm threat. State and federal officials have been working together since last year to track the screwworm fly’s movement northward through Mexico and prepare for its anticipated incursion into the United States. In January, Abbott issued a disaster declaration to mobilize state resources to combat the threat.
In February, the Domestic New World Screwworm Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility was opened in Edinburg, Texas. The facility will produce sterile male flies, which will be released to mate with female NWS flies, thereby reducing the spread of NWS flies.
On June 3, the first case of NWS in the U.S. was confirmed in Texas. As of June 15, 11 cases have been confirmed in cattle and goats in Texas, and one case has been confirmed affecting a dog in New Mexico, according to the USDA’s NWS tracker. Ten counties in Texas have been designated for quarantine of warm-blooded animals.
According to state officials, New World Screwworm is caused by the larvae of a parasitic fly that deposits eggs in open wounds. The larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Officials emphasized that the pest is not a contagious disease and does not spread directly between animals. They also said it is not a food safety issue because screwworms do not infest meat or other food products.
The state said livestock owners, veterinarians, government personnel, and industry professionals are encouraged to enroll in the training as Texas continues efforts to control the pest while maintaining livestock commerce.
