Texas Expands Screwworm Outbreak as Federal War on Screwworm Goes 24/7

Three more New World screwworm cases were confirmed in Texas (a calf in La Salle County, a dog from a New Mexico household, and a goat in Gillespie County), bringing the total to five. Federal and state officials, led by the USDA and Gov. Abbott, launched a wide‑scale response called the “War on Screwworm,” opened a 24/7 emergency command center, and are weighing options including ivermectin in animal feed as they warn the outbreak could threaten the cattle industry with as much as $1.8 billion in potential losses. The administration also announced a new federal adviser, John Bellinger, to help coordinate preparedness and response.