Texas Cattle Association praises Gov. Abbott action on New World screwworm threat

Livestock producers and landowners applaud efforts to protect U.S. beef supply

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. has praised Governor Greg Abbott for issuing a statewide disaster declaration for the potential New World screwworm threat.

He said Gov. Abbott understands the importance of protecting the U.S. beef supply and it’s clear he is committed to pushing New World screwworm back to the Darién Gap, a milestone Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association continues to prioritize.

“We are thankful for his leadership and for standing with Texas livestock producers and landowners,” said Polk Jr.

Governor Abbott yesterday issued a statewide disaster declaration to better equip the Texas New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Team to prevent the potential spread of the NWS fly into Texas and to better protect livestock and wildlife.

“Although the New World screwworm fly is not yet present in Texas or the U.S., its northward spread from Mexico toward the U.S. southern border poses a serious threat to Texas’ livestock industry and wildlife,” said Governor Abbott.

“State law authorizes me to act to prevent a threat of infestation that could cause severe damage to Texas property, and I will not wait for such harm to reach our livestock and wildlife. With this statewide disaster declaration, the Texas NWS Response Team can fully utilize all state government prevention and response resources to prevent the re-emergence of this destructive parasite. Texas is prepared to fully eradicate this pest if need be.”