Gov. Greg Abbott announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing additional funding to the Texas Animal Health Commission to combat the recent New World screwworm outbreak in South Texas and expand the state’s response.
“This federal funding allows us to place more inspectors in the field and bolster our state response,” said Abbott in Wednesday’s release.
The released funding will allow the TAHC to hire 15 employees, including 10 field inspectors, to help contain the outbreak. The new positions will expand the response to the flesh-eating insect.
“Today’s announcement will help us ensure we have ample strategies and resources to identify and combat this pest. I’m so grateful to have a partner in Governor Abbott who is focused on delivering for all Texans, as we continue to respond to this current situation and eradicate New World screwworm forever,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
Since the outbreak of NWS, the federal government has released $750 million for a new sterile fly facility. Sterile flies effectively reduce the amount of larvae females are able to produce.
Meanwhile, Abbott has activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center and signed a disaster declaration in order to use all state resources to combat the pest. Texas has also launched free resources to train NWS inspectors.
Despite the outbreak remaining relatively small, Abbott has urged citizens to remain vigilant and learn to recognize symptoms of NWS.
A Texas House hearing is scheduled for June 18 regarding the screwworm. Testimony will be open to the public.
