Texas Expands Screwworm Quarantines to 21 Counties After 26 US Cases
Updated
Updated · FOX 7 Austin · Jun 27
Texas Expands Screwworm Quarantines to 21 Counties After 26 US Cases
3 articles · Updated · FOX 7 Austin · Jun 27
Summary
Texas officials imposed emergency quarantines across parts of 21 counties after New World screwworm cases in the US reached 26, including 25 in Texas and one in New Mexico.
June 26 orders created a new Infested Zone 10 after a Jim Hogg County bovine tested positive, while other orders widened existing zones after new sheep infections in Crockett and Edwards counties.
The restrictions bar warm-blooded animals, hides, carcasses and other host material from leaving designated zones without inspection, treatment and official authorization; violations can bring administrative penalties and criminal prosecution.
The flesh-eating parasite lays eggs in open wounds, and the larvae burrow into living tissue, making the outbreak a major threat to cattle, other livestock and wildlife in South Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott's disaster proclamation, first issued on Jan. 29 and updated June 5, remains in effect as officials urge daily animal checks and immediate reporting of suspected cases.