Texas Governor Abbott Declares Disaster Due to Screwworm Threat

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm fly, which poses a serious threat to livestock and wildlife as it moves north from Mexico. This declaration empowers the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to utilize state resources for prevention and response efforts. Abbott emphasized the collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a $750 million sterile fly breeding facility in Edinburg, Texas, aimed at eradicating the pest. The New World screwworm can cause severe damage to animals, threatening food supply and national security.

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