City of San Angelo officials said as of Sept. 3, the Texas Animal Health Commission has released portions of Coke and Tom Green counties from the New World screw worm quarantine and the restrictions enacted after officials detected the parasite in a Tom Green County herd on June 12, leading them to restrict cattle movement within the Infected zone.
Since the June order, the Texas Animal Health Commission, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have worked together with animal owners, veterinarians, livestock markets, industry groups, local governments, and other partners to carry out a plan to eradicate New World Screwworms in Infested Zone 05 using sterile flies.
These flies are released throughout the affected area to control and eliminate any wild screw worm populations. This effort, along with animal inspections, treatment procedures, movement restrictions, and ongoing monitoring, has greatly lowered the risk of further infestations, according to officials.
While efforts are believed to have effectively reduced the population from this area, officials stress the need for continued vigilance.
Animal owners should regularly check for wounds and report any suspected infestations to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
The Executive Director confirms that surveillance in Infested Zone 05 justifies lifting quarantine and movement restrictions, as control measures have been effective.
Keep track of further developments here.
All information and questions should be directed to the state’s lead agency on this disaster, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) at 512-719-0700.
