Gov. Greg Abbott announced the launch of an online course that will allow Texans to identify screwworm infestation in their own animals, an action that is supporting the state’s response to the flesh-eating pest.
The “New World Screwworm Preparedness and Response Education” online course launched late last week and focuses on training Texans to identify the pest in their own animals and to address the shortage of inspectors.
The course trains attendees on the life cycle of the screwworm, surveillance, monitoring, reporting and discovery procedures, how to conduct animal inspections, and how to apply approved treatment protocols.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Texas Animal Health Commission, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department developed the course which is completely free and available online.
“AgriLife and TAHC moved quickly to launch this training. Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement,” wrote Abbott. “Through this program, Texas will protect our ranchers, ensure the security of our food supply, and keep business strong.”
Individuals who meet TAHC eligibility standards and pass the course’s final exam are eligible to apply to become a TAHC Certified New World Screwworm Inspector, and will have the authority to then issue official treatment/movement certificates to move animals outside of infected zones.
Those immediately considered eligible for Phase 1 of the program include veterinarians, veterinary technicians, Texas Department of Agriculture inspectors, Texas Department of Health meat inspectors, animal control officers, and livestock deputies.
As the program continues to develop, additional groups may become eligible in future phases.
The course is still available to all Texans for educational purposes.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins highlighted that the development of this training is critical for teaching screwworm inspectors what to look for, which is imperative to stop its spread and to keep the “cattle industry on track.”
“We encourage everyone who is able to help us identify and report suspected cases to help eradicate this pest as fast as possible,” wrote Rollins. “Grateful for Governor Abbott, TAHC, TPWD, and AgriLife for being amazing partners in this fight!”
The training can be accessed here.
The first case of the New World screwworm was confirmed in the U.S. on June 3 in Zavala County.
As of publication, there have been 12 cases confirmed, with the most recent being confirmed on June 12. Of these cases, 11 are located in Texas’ Zavala, La Salle, Edwards, Tom Green, Gillespie, and Sutton counties. A single case has been confirmed in a dog in Lea County, New Mexico.
All of the confirmed cases, as of publication, have been domestic. No cases have been confirmed in wildlife or in fly traps. Fly traps are used as a monitoring tool and are made out of sticky surfaces and chemical attractants to catch adult screwworm flies.
The Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee will meet June 18 to hear invited testimony on the New World screwworm.
Officials urged Texans who suspect New World screwworm to immediately contact the Texas Animal Health Commission or their veterinarian and not move any animal they believe may be infested. Wildlife sightings suggesting possible screwworm infestations should be reported to Texas Parks and Wildlife or local biologists.
