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Statewide disaster declaration enhances Texas task force response to the threat of New World screwworm

Texas continues to take preemptive actions to protect the state from the threat of New World screwworm.

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster declaration.  The administration says the move is to better equip the Texas New World screwworm response team and to protect livestock and animal health.

New World screwworm has not been detected in Texas or in other parts of the U.S., but has continued its northward spread from Mexico to the southern border.  

Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller says the declaration gives the task force greater authority, resources, and speed needed to confront the growing threat posed by New World screwworm.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association president Carl Ray Polk, Jr. says the actions by Governor Abbott prioritizes the protection of the U.S. beef supply and shows his commitment to pushing the pest back to the Darién Gap, which is a milestone TSCRA continues to prioritize.

Currently, all southern ports of entry remain closed to livestock trade.