Flesh-eating parasite sparks disaster declaration in Texas
Texas is moving early to prevent a potential outbreak of the flesh-eating parasite known as the New World screwworm, with Gov. Greg Abbott issuing a preemptive disaster declaration before the pest reaches the state.
The New World screwworm is a species of fly whose larvae can burrow into and feed on living tissue. Officials say it has been gradually moving north from Central and South America.
“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,” Abbott said. Experts note that the blowflies primarily affect animals.
While human cases are uncommon, they can be severe. In one case last year, doctors in Florida surgically removed an estimated 100 to 150 screwworm larvae from a cancer patient who had recently traveled to the Dominican Republic. Hospital staff reported that the number of larvae clogged a suction machine during treatment.
Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller confirmed in January that more than a dozen screwworm cases had been identified in Tamaulipas, Mexico, just south of the Texas border. He urged ranchers to remain alert.
“Now is the time for Texas producers to stay sharp and be prepared… Early detection is our strongest weapon,” Miller said.
Abbott has also directed state agencies to prepare in advance of a possible arrival of the parasite. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Animal Health Commission are forming a joint New World Screwworm Response Team.
In addition, a $750 million facility is planned to produce hundreds of millions of sterile screwworm flies as part of a long-standing control strategy. The approach, last used in the 1960s, involves releasing lab-raised sterile male flies to mate with wild females, preventing the production of viable eggs.
The facility is expected to be built in Edinburg, near the Texas-Mexico border.
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