Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of a free online training and certification program designed to expand the state’s network of qualified New World screwworm inspectors.
According to a June 15 press release from the Governor’s Office, the initiative was developed by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to protect the state’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industry while keeping supply chains moving efficiently.
The new “NWS Authorized Inspector” program targets veterinarians, veterinary technicians, livestock producers, and agriculture students. Participants who complete the self-paced, digital curriculum will be certified to perform official animal inspections and issue the movement permits required to transport livestock out of state-designated disaster and containment zones.
The state introduced the program to prevent bottlenecks as agricultural officials enforce strict movement restrictions to contain the recent spread of the flesh-eating parasite in South and Central Texas.
“Texas will use every available resource to eliminate this threat to our agricultural economy,” Abbott said, noting that multiplying the number of certified inspectors on the ground will help producers secure timely clearances.
TAHC Executive Director Dr. Angela Daniels added that the decentralized training model allows local communities to actively participate in containment efforts, ensuring that animals can be thoroughly checked for wounds and larvae without stalling commercial market operations. Registration for the training portal is open immediately through the TAHC website.