By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Cameron County is hosting a free educational program on the New World Screwworm from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at the Rio Hondo Civic Center/City Hall, 121 N. Arroyo Blvd.
The workshop aims to help livestock producers, agricultural professionals, wildlife managers, and community members better understand the potential impact of the New World Screwworm and learn how to protect animals through awareness, preparedness, and early detection.
Guest speakers include Freddy Nieto, director of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and Eli Benavidez, region manager at the Texas Animal Health Commission. Attendees will receive two general continuing education units (CEUs), and a complimentary light dinner will be provided.
According to Blair Fannin, media relations manager at Texas A&M AgriLife, the program’s primary goal is education and preparedness.
“The message right now is surveillance,” Fannin said. “Monitor herds daily for any unusual activity and report anything suspicious.”
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on open wounds and can cause severe injury if not promptly detected and treated. Fannin said ranchers should pay particular attention to vulnerable areas, including newborn calves’ navels and any cuts, wounds, or lesions on livestock.
Officials are urging producers to watch for unusual animal behavior, non-healing wounds, or suspicious lesions. Fannin noted that game cameras can be useful for monitoring animal activity and for early detection of potential problems.
Although no preventive medication currently exists for New World Screwworm, early detection remains one of the most effective defenses. Producers are encouraged to inspect animals regularly and to promptly report any concerns.
Anyone suspecting a screwworm infestation should contact their local veterinarian or the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1 (800) 550-8242. Wildlife concerns should be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-4505.
In addition to the educational program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides fact sheets and other resources covering the basics of New World Screwworm, wildlife impacts, and livestock management.
Several resources on the AgriLife Extension website are available in English and Spanish: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm.
Organizers say the June 30 program offers an important opportunity for residents to receive up-to-date information from industry and animal health experts and to learn practical steps to help safeguard livestock, wildlife and agriculture across the Rio Grande Valley.
For more information, contact Marco Ponce, Cameron County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, at (956) 361-8236 or at marco.ponce@ag.tamu.edu.
On June 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the first case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the United States, identifying an infected calf in Zavala County, Texas.
Federal and state animal health officials responded to the detection by establishing an infested zone, conducting animal and fly surveillance, conducting epidemiological investigations, and implementing established response protocols to prevent further spread.
Although Zavala County is approximately 300 miles from Cameron County, county officials have been in contact with the appropriate state and federal agencies to ensure that local departments remain informed, prepared, and ready to assist with response efforts while protecting animals in the county’s care, according to a Cameron County press release.
Cameron County officials are also working to increase public awareness and to encourage livestock and pet owners, veterinarians, and animal caretakers to closely monitor animals for signs of infection and to immediately report any suspected cases.
The confirmation follows ongoing regional coordination among Rio Grande Valley county judges (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy), state agencies, and animal industry partners.
At a regional press conference on May 18, 2026, local leaders discussed the potential threat posed by New World Screwworm and emphasized the importance of preparedness and public awareness.
New World Screwworm can affect livestock, wildlife, pets, and other warm-blooded animals, especially those with open wounds or sores. Although human infestation is rare, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected cases.
If any member of the public suspects New World Screwworm in an animal, he or she is encouraged to immediately contact the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1 (800) 550-8242.
Current eradication efforts rely on releasing sterile male flies, a proven method that prevents reproduction and helps eliminate screwworm populations, according to the press release.
Currently, sterile flies from a reproduction facility in Panama are being released in South Texas. A large-scale sterile fly production facility is also under construction by the USDA in Edinburg, with a target completion date of November 2027.
For more information on New World Screwworm and best practices for monitoring, prevention, and treatment, visit the Texas Animal Health Commission’s New World Screwworm information page: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html
Last week, Governor Greg Abbott launched a free online course to increase the number of certified New World Screwworm (NWS) inspectors statewide.
This course enables more Texans to inspect their animals and certify the documentation required to safely move them, which is critical to keeping cattle and livestock commerce running uninterrupted.
Developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with USDA-APHIS, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), and the TPWD, the first-of-its-kind program launched on Saturday.
“The State of Texas will use every tool to protect our cattle industry and wildlife while we eradicate this pest,” said Governor Abbott. “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. Through this program, Texas will protect our ranchers, ensure the security of our food supply, and keep business strong.”
“Stopping the spread of NWS will not be possible without our inspectors knowing what to look for, that’s why today’s announcement is critical to keep our cattle industry on track,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. “We encourage everyone who is able to help us identify and report suspected cases to help eradicate this pest as fast as possible.”
The course is an online, modular program delivered via the AgriLife Learn platform.
It includes narrated modules, demonstration videos, and knowledge checks covering NWS biology and life cycle, surveillance and reporting, species-specific inspection and treatment protocols, the roles of state and federal agencies, and movement permitting requirements.
Those who meet TAHC eligibility standards and pass the final exam may apply to become a TAHC Certified NWS Inspector, authorized to issue official NWS Treatment/Movement Certificates for the lawful movement of livestock out of infested zones.
Phase one immediately opens eligibility to the following groups, in addition to existing authorized personnel, including thousands of Texas veterinarians: Licensed veterinarians (not already in the Authorized Personnel Program); veterinary technicians; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents and Disaster Assessment and Recovery agents; Texas Department of Agriculture inspectors; Texas Department of State Health Services Meat Safety inspectors; Texas Racing Commission inspectors; animal control officers; livestock deputies; and designated personnel from temporary livestock aggregation points.
Additional groups may be added in future phases as the program evolves. The course is also available to any Texan for educational use.
Livestock owners, managers, veterinarians, government personnel, and allied industry professionals are encouraged to enroll.
To access this free online course, please register for an account, add the course to your cart, and then proceed to check out.
NWS is not a contagious disease. It does not spread directly from one animal to another.
NWS is not a food safety issue. Screwworms do not infest meat or other food products. The food supply remains safe.
The course directly supports the state’s aggressive NWS response.
Texas has deployed sterile insect technique releases, established quarantines in infested areas, and committed all available state resources to protect the livestock industry while maintaining business continuity, according to Governor’s office.