A new confirmed case of New World screwworm was detected in Terrell County, Texas, in a goat, this time. The detection is about 180 miles west of the initial Texas case in Zavala County.
That makes a total of 15 cases in Texas, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Late last week, Gov. Greg Abbott said he’s counting on federal dollars fight the invasive species. The Texas institutions selected to receive significant funding through the USDA New World Screwworm Grand Challenge.
“Texas is no stranger to the New World screwworm threat and we are prepared to push this danger out of our state for good,” Abbott said. “These grants will empower Texans on the front lines to eradicate the screwworm and protect our livestock industry. I thank Secretary (Brooke) Rollins for her swift action on these awards and for her steadfast support as Texas brings this pest to its end.”
The USDA announced approximately $105 million for 40 innovative projects nationwide on Thursday, June 18. Multiple awards are set go to Texas universities and research institutions to strengthen screwworm detection, control and eradication capabilities.
Texas institutions receiving awards include projects led by Texas Tech University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and other Texas A&M entities.
The funded work spans sterile insect technique enhancements, novel traps and lures, therapeutics, AI-enabled surveillance, drone monitoring and other tools to bolster preparedness and response.
“We launched the Grand Challenge expecting bold, innovative, and science-backed ideas to fight New World screwworm, and the proposals delivered just that,” Rollins said. “These projects represent the creativity, scientific rigor, and determination we need to reinforce our existing efforts, empower our producers, and safeguard American agriculture and our food supply.”
Texans are urged to inspect livestock and pets for wounds and report suspected cases, including in wildlife, immediately. For livestock and pets, report to the TAHC’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242. For wildlife reports, to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505.
Gina Hinojosa decries Abbott’s screwworm response
Democratic candidate for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa called Abbott’s response to the screwworm incompetent.
“For two weeks now, ranchers have dealt with uncertainty caused by our governor’s incompetence,” Hinojosa said. “The New World screwworm outbreak has impacted Texans all across the state, and the epicenter is currently without a voice in Congress to fight for them. This is a crisis for our ranchers, our food security, and Texas’s agricultural economy at large.”
Of all the screwworm cases in Texas, 10 are located in Texas’ 23rd congressional district. The district is home to over 515,000 cattle and calves and produces nearly $450 million in cattle and calf sales in Texas each year.
Overall, the cattle industry draws an estimated $12.5 billion in revenue in the state.
Track Texas screwworm cases?
The Texas screwworm map is an interactive tracker published by state and federal agencies to monitor the spread of the New World screwworm in cattle.
The livestock industry in Texas topped $12.5 billion in 2025.
The map also highlights infested zones and quarantine areas to prevent the parasite from spreading and endangering livestock and wildlife.
The public can also search cases on the USDA Confirmed Cases Dashboard.
Important dates for 2026 Texas election
The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Oct. 5, either online, by mail, or in person.
Early voting starts Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30. The absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 23 for mail requests or Oct. 19 for in-person requests. The absentee ballot return deadline is Nov. 3, by mail or in person on Election Day.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Kristian Jaime is the Top Story Reporter for the El Paso Times and is reachable at Kjaime@elpasotimes.com.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gov. Greg Abbott, Gina Hinojosa respond to growing Texas screwworm cases
Reporting by Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kristian Jaime, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
