Secretary Rollins’ robust plan and five-pronged strategy will amplify the preparedness and response capabilities the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), and response partners have tirelessly worked to develop to ready our state for the pest.

“TAHC staff are prepared to respond to any NWS incursion if they make it to us,” said Dr. Bud Dinges. “Secretary Rollins’ active support to bolster our capabilities in Texas, to not only respond to but eradicate NWS, is critical to efficiently and effectively protect the entire United States from this pest.”

While NWS is currently being combatted in southern Mexico, the looming threat to Texas animal agriculture is at the forefront of daily efforts with animal health partners. USDA and TAHC’s established partnerships in past animal health responses and active NWS preparedness sessions strengthen the proactive approach needed to address this issue.

Key facets of USDA’s Five-Pronged Plan to Address New World Screwworms

• Stop the Pest from Spreading in Mexico and Ensure we are Full Partners in Eradication
• Protect the U.S. Border at all Costs
• Maximize our Readiness
• Take the Fight to the Screwworm
• Innovate our Way to Eradication

“While we are hoping for the best, we have been actively preparing for the worst for over a year,” said Dr. Dinges. “Texans can be assured tireless preparedness planning and training are ongoing to mitigate the potential damage and protect animal agriculture commodities from NWS. Secretary Rollins’ commitment to this preparedness and mitigation is evident with these announcements, and we are pleased to continue our collaboration with the USDA’s efforts.”

Read the USDA’s press release here. Learn more about NWS here.