Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging heightened vigilance from livestock producers across West Texas following confirmation of a new New World screwworm (NWS) case just 215 miles south of the Texas border.
The case, confirmed January 8, 2026, involved a seven-year-old bovine in González, marking the third active screwworm case in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Officials say the animal had no history of movement outside the state, raising concerns the pest may be spreading naturally rather than through commercial livestock transport.
For cattle producers in the South Plains, Permian Basin, Rolling Plains, and Panhandle, the warning hits close to home. West Texas is one of the state’s most livestock-dense regions, and agriculture leaders say early detection will be critical to protecting herds and the regional economy.
“The screwworm now may be moving closer on its own, with no apparent link to commercial animal movement,” Miller said. “Texas producers must act now—stay informed, stay vigilant, and prepare immediately. We cannot drop our guard for even a moment.”
Mexican officials report no evidence yet of an established screwworm population in Tamaulipas. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is working closely with Mexico’s SENASICA to investigate the case and determine response measures. Those efforts may include the release of sterile flies, a method previously used to successfully eradicate screwworm outbreaks in the United States.
Miller specifically urged ranchers—especially those with operations near ports of entry, livestock markets, or frequent cattle movement—to take immediate action.
“Inspect your animals daily. Check every open wound,” Miller said. “If anything looks suspicious, report it right away. Better a false alarm than a delayed response—early detection and rapid reporting are our strongest defenses against this devastating pest.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture is coordinating with federal and animal health partners and is calling on West Texas producers to closely monitor cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock. Producers are encouraged to report suspicious wounds or infestations immediately to local veterinarians, Texas Animal Health Commission officials, or the USDA.
Miller also praised Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, for what he described as decisive leadership in confronting the threat.
“Secretary Rollins is driving a bold, comprehensive five-pronged plan that will crush this danger once and for all,” Miller said. “Her Texas-tough resolve is getting sterile fly production back to full strength. We’ve beaten screwworm before, and we’ll do it again—but only if we stay alert.”
The New World screwworm poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife, as larvae infest open wounds and can cause severe injury or death if left untreated. Agriculture officials stress that vigilance by ranchers—particularly in rural West Texas counties—will play a key role in preventing the pest from reestablishing itself in the United States.
