Texas widens New World screwworm quarantine areas after new cases

Texas has placed parts of seven counties under quarantine to restrict animal movement to help combat the growing number of New World screwworm cases in the state.

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Executive Director Lewis Dinges placed parts of Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle and Webb counties under animal movement restrictions on Tuesday, June 9, after cases were confirmed in Gillespie and La Salle on June 8.

Parts of Zavala and Uvalde counties have already been placed under the TAHC quarantine order on June 3 after the first U.S. case was confirmed by the USDA.

Under the order, the quarantined areas are subject to the following:

• Warm-blooded animals located within the quarantined area may not be moved outside of the zone without prior authorization from TAHC.
• Any person in possession or control of such animals in the quarantine areas must obtain permission and comply with all conditions set by TAHC before transporting the animals beyond the quarantine boundaries.
• To move warm-blooded animals outside of a quarantined area, the animal must be inspected and treated as required by the TAHC and issued a permit or certificate for movement by a TAHC representative.
• Hides, carcasses, and parts of any animal that can serve as a host for the screwworm must be inspected and treated as deemed necessary by a TAHC representative prior to removal from the quarantine areas.
• Unauthorized movement is prohibited and may result in administrative penalties or criminal prosecution.

US New World screwworm case locations

Here is the breakdown of the screwworm case locations in the U.S. according to the USDA's screwworm dashboard.

Texas New World screwworm cases

There are currently six cases in Texas:

• Edwards County — one case found in domestic cattle.
• Gillespie County —  one case found in a domestic goat.
• La Salle County — two cases found in domestic cattle.
• Zavala County — two cases found in domestic cattle.

New Mexico New World screwworm cases

A case has also been confirmed in a dog in New Mexico. It was first reported June 7 by a veterinarian in Andrews County, Texas, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies it as a Lea County, New Mexico, case because the dog lives there.

Map of New World screwworm cases in the U.S, Texas

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at [email protected].