Screwworm Threat to Texas Livestock and Agriculture
Key Questions
What is the current threat from screwworms in Texas?
New World screwworms are spreading into the Hill Country, prompting Governor Abbott to release a plan involving sterile flies and a disaster declaration.
What potential economic impact could screwworms have?
The infestation poses a potential $2.1 billion impact to Texas agriculture, with officials recommending daily livestock checks to detect symptoms early.
How are screwworms being controlled in Texas?
Control efforts focus on the sterile fly technique, with federal briefings noting an estimated $1 billion cost and risks of human infection from the parasite.
Screwworm spreading to Hill Country; Governor Abbott releases plan with sterile flies and disaster declaration. Federal briefing from Kerrville highlights $2.1B potential impact; officials advise daily livestock checks. Threat to Wilson County cattle operations. NEW: Article reinforces threat with details on symptoms, sterile fly technique, $1 billion cost estimate, and human infection risk.