Texas Animal Health Commission Quarantines Parts of Crockett County After Screwworm Detection

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Animal Health Commission has quarantined part of Crockett County after the New World screwworm was detected in a canine, imposing movement restrictions on warm-blooded animals in the affected area.

The quarantine, effective immediately and signed Sept. 1 by Executive Director Dr. Lewis R. Dinges, follows the Aug. 31 detection of the parasitic pest in Crockett County.

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that poses a significant threat to livestock, exotic livestock, domestic and exotic fowl, wildlife and other warm-blooded animals. Adult flies lay eggs in wounds or soft tissue, and the larvae burrow into living tissue, causing a condition known as screwworm myiasis. Untreated infestations can lead to severe injury, secondary infections and death.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies the New World screwworm as a foreign animal disease because of the threat it poses to agriculture, wildlife, public health and the economy.

Gov. Greg Abbott first issued a statewide disaster declaration Jan. 29 because of the threat posed by the New World screwworm and has renewed the declaration each month since. Following the detection of the pest in Texas, Abbott issued another statewide disaster declaration June 5, which was renewed July 4 and Aug. 3.

Under the quarantine order, the affected area of Crockett County has been designated as Infested Zone 20.

Warm-blooded animals within the quarantine zone may not be moved outside the area without prior authorization from the Texas Animal Health Commission. Before animals can be transported beyond the quarantine boundaries, they must be inspected, treated if necessary, and issued a movement permit or certificate by a commission representative.

The order also requires hides, carcasses and animal parts capable of serving as hosts for the New World screwworm to be inspected and treated before they can be removed from the quarantine zone.

The commission warned that unauthorized movement of animals or animal products from the quarantined area is prohibited and may result in administrative penalties or criminal prosecution.

State officials said restricting the movement of infested animals is critical to preventing the spread of screwworm flies and larvae and reducing the risk of the pest becoming established in new areas of Texas.

The quarantine will remain in effect until it is lifted by the Texas Animal Health Commission.