The Texas Animal Health Commission lifted New World screwworm movement restrictions on parts of five Texas counties on Aug. 31, the first zones released since the state began responding to the pest.
Designated areas of Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle and Webb counties were freed from the restrictions after months of coordinated surveillance and eradication work, according to an Aug. 31 news release from the commission. The agency described the step as a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing screwworm response.
The commission’s executive director issued the orders releasing infested zones 02.A and 03, saying the eradication strategy carried out by state, federal, industry, veterinary and local partners delivered sufficient evidence that the wild screwworm population in those areas has been eliminated. The agency said the orders recognize robust response activities in the areas, lending science-backed confidence to the decision.
“We are pleased with the incredible work and cooperation that has led us to the release of these first zones,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC executive director and Texas state veterinarian. “It has taken everyone’s diligence and focused efforts to get us to this point in the response. While we are certainly celebrating this milestone, we can’t take our eye off the ball and must remain vigilant in monitoring animals and reporting any suspicions in these newly released areas and beyond.”
The commission said regulatory activity will continue in the released areas, including sterile fly releases, fly surveillance trapping and animal surveillance by TAHC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other response partners. State officials urged landowners to keep monitoring domestic animals and wildlife for odd behavior, wounds and larval infestations, and to report suspected infestations to a TAHC region office at 1-800-550-8242, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife biologist at 512-389-4505, or a private veterinarian.
An updated interactive map on the commission’s screwworm landing page continues to show which zones still carry movement requirements. The agency said the release orders were issued under Texas Agriculture Code chapters 161 through 168 and related administrative rules, and took effect immediately.