TAHC Joins Secretary Rollins to Announce Plan to Combat New World Screwworms Northward Spread

Media Contact: TAHC Communications
public_info@tahc.texas.gov
512.719.0750
For Immediate Release
June 19, 2025

EDINBURG, TX – State Veterinarian, Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, DVM, commissioners and staff joined United
States Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, as she announced the launch of a sterile New World
screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in Hidalgo County, Texas.
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.
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The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) was established in 1893 as the Livestock Sanitary Commission and charged with protecting
the state’s domestic animals “from all contagious or infectious diseases of a malignant character.” TAHC remains true to this charge while
evolving with the times to protect the health and marketability of all Texas livestock and poultry. Learn more about the TAHC by visiting
www.tahc.texas.gov