Screwworm cases climb to 4 as Gov. Abbott elevates Texas screwworm response to Level 2
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Governor Greg Abbott has elevated Texas's New World Screwworm response to Level 2, activating the full use of all state resources to respond to the outbreak.
The news comes just as the total number of screwworm cases rose to four on Monday, according to state officials.
"I have activated the full use of all state resources to respond to the New World Screwworm threat," Gov. Abbott said. "The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority. We have eradicated this pest before, and we will do it again in close cooperation with our federal partners. Texans should stay alert, check animals daily for wounds, and report any suspected cases immediately."
At the Governor's direction, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) requested the following agencies to report to the Texas State Emergency Operations Center:
- Texas Animal Health Commission
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
- Texas Department of Agriculture
- Texas Department of State Health Services
Texans are urged to report any suspected screwworm cases in livestock to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) at 1-800-550-8242 and report suspected wildlife cases to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) at (512) 389-4505. Texans can access the latest updates and resources online through the TAHC (tahc.texas.gov), TPWD (tpwd.texas.gov), and United States Department of Agriculture (screwworm.gov).
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