Resources: New World Screwworm

The spread of the New World screwworm poses a serious threat to the health of livestock and the livelihoods of dairy farmers in Texas, the nation’s third largest milk producing state. The Texas Association of Dairymen is closely monitoring the northward migration of this devastating pest. Below you will find useful information and resources to help safeguard herds, the milk supply and the long-term sustainability of the Texas dairy industry.

The Texas Association of Dairymen is a member of the Texas Screwworm Coalition.

Fact Sheets:

• Texas Screwworm Coalition
• New World Screwworm Fact Sheet – Texas Animal Health Commission
• New World Screwworm Fact Sheet – Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• USDA-APHIS screwworm website

Policy Initiatives:

• USDA New World Screwworm Five-Point Domestic Readiness and Response Policy Initiative
• Cornyn, Senate Colleagues, Gonzales Introduce Bill to Combat Devastating Screwworm Outbreak, May 18, 2025

Other Resources:

• Protocols for the Potential Detection of New World Screwworm in Livestock: Livestock Producer Guidance – Texas Animal Health Commission
• History of the screwworm in the U.S.

Articles/News Releases:

Secretary Rollins Takes Decisive Action and Shuts Down U.S. Southern Border Ports to Livestock Trade due to further Northward Spread of New World Screwworm in Mexico, July 9, 2025

Governor Abbott Directs TWPD, TAHC To Establish Texas New World Screwworm Response Team, June 25, 2025, Office of the Governor

New World Screwworm: The Billion Dollar Battle at the Southern Border, June 20, 2025, Dairy Herd Management
As the fight to keep the flesh-eating parasite out of the U.S. intensifies, the economic impact on ranchers and the industry is top of mind. “This pest will be one that leaves quite a mark on our economy,” says one veterinarian.

USDA: Secretary Rollins Announces Bold Plan to Combat New World Screwworm’s Northward Spread, June 18, 2025
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins this morning launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a sweeping five-pronged plan to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest.

Screwworm poses growing risk to Texas dairies and livestock, May 2025, Texas Association of Dairymen
The Texas Association of Dairymen is actively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for protective measures for dairy producers.