New World Screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic fly that poses a serious threat to livestock, exotic livestock, fowl, and exotic fowl in Texas. NWS flies lay eggs in wounds or soft tissues of live warm-blooded animals; the larvae hatch and burrow into living tissue, leading to the painful condition NWS myiasis. As the infestation worsens and the wounds become larger, it can cause serious injury, secondary infection, and can be fatal if not treated.
NWS is recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture as a foreign animal disease that has poses a threat to U.S. agriculture, wildlife, public health, and the economy.
On January 29, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster proclamation for all counties in Texas due to the threat NWS poses to the state’s livestock industry, economy, and the potential for widespread and severe property damage for Texas. Governor Abbot has renewed the proclamation each month since.
On June 5, 2026, Governor Greg Abbott issued a new statewide disaster proclamation for all Texas Counties in response to a detection of NWS in Texas.
The Texas Animal Health Commission (the “Commission”) is authorized under Chapter 161, Texas Agriculture Code, to establish movement restrictions against all or a portion of a state in which an animal disease exists to protect livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, and exotic fowl in this state from the disease.
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