Governor Greg Abbott announced the launch of a comprehensive, centralized website designed to provide Texans with a single point of access for information and resources regarding the New World screwworm (NWS).
Located within the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s (TDEM) Disaster Portal at screwworm.texas.gov, the new digital platform serves as a “one stop shop” to coordinate responses from multiple state and federal agency partners.
The Governor emphasized the economic and ecological urgency behind the new resource, saying that “the New World screwworm poses a direct threat to Texas livestock, wildlife, and our rural economy.”
Abbott added that the portal is designed to put essential tools directly into the hands of producers, veterinarians, and local families, allowing them to access the critical facts, regional maps, case dashboards, and certification resources needed to detect and report potential problems without delay.
Through the digital portal, users can access actionable multimedia information including instructional videos, background data, and standardized guidelines on how to identify NWS and collect samples. The platform integrates live data and tools from multiple jurisdictions, including the Texas Animal Health Commission’s (TAHC) official NWS zone maps, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) case dashboard, and links to wildlife and livestock management best practices. State and federal entities continue to deploy collaborative containment strategies, with public outreach and accessible information acting as core components to mitigate risk across the state.
The website launch builds upon several emergency actions recently executed by the state to combat the spread of the flesh-eating parasite in South and Central Texas. These prior measures include the creation of a joint Texas NWS Response Team, a $750 million investment alongside the USDA for a sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, a statewide disaster declaration, and a free online certification training program for local livestock inspectors.
Agriculture officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, inspect pets and livestock for open wounds, and immediately report suspected cases to the TAHC’s 24-hour veterinarian line or the Texas Parks and Wildlife biologist line while keeping affected animals stationary.