Texas Department of Agriculture launching new screwworm trapping plan

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —  The Texas Department of Agriculture has launched a New World Screwworm Trapping Plan to boost the state’s defenses against the spread of the screwworm.

According to officials with the TDA and the office of Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, the strategy emphasizes early detection and quick response by placing traps in high-risk zones along the Texas-Mexico border and around major port regions.

“The New World screwworm poses a serious threat to Texas livestock and rural communities,” said Commissioner Miller. “We are taking proactive steps to monitor, detect, and stop this parasite before it harms Texas agriculture. Our farmers, ranchers, and consumers depend on us being ready, and we will be.”

Officials stated that the TDA will place traps under the plan in the following areas:

• Texas–Mexico Border: From the Maverick/Webb County line just west of Laredo to Brownsville.
• TDA Export Pens: Brownsville, Del Rio, El Paso, Laredo, and Houston.
• Port Regions: Surrounding areas in Galveston and Corpus Christi.

Officials noted that Red Delta Traps, Black Delta Traps, and black PVC traps will be installed in accordance with the NWS Response Fly Surveillance and Site Selection Methods. Each trap will be inspected weekly, documented, and monitored with photographic records of its condition.

TDA officials stated that any flies collected will be sorted and initially identified by TDA personnel. Suspect samples will be packaged with the appropriate USDA form and sent for confirmation to the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories Parasite Identification Lab.

“The strength of this plan lies in its focus and precision,” Miller added. “By concentrating our efforts where the risk is greatest, we maximize our chances of early detection and eradication if necessary. Texas will not be caught off guard.”

TDA officials stated that reporting and oversight will consist of weekly trapping reports prepared by TDA regional staff members, which will be sent via email to the NWS task force.