Texas Governor Declares Screwworm Disaster

United States — Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster declaration to prevent the potential spread of the Cochliomyia fly into United States — Texas. This parasitic insect, currently moving northward from Mexico, poses a severe threat to United States — Texas' livestock industry and wildlife, with potential economic losses estimated at $30 billion. As part of the response, Greg Abbott directed the United States — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the India — National Health Mission to establish a joint response team for surveillance, prevention, and eradication. Additionally, Greg Abbott partnered with the United States — United States Department of Agriculture and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to fund a $750 million Domestic Sterile New World Screwworm Production Facility in Edinburg, United States — Texas, which will produce sterile flies to combat the infestation. The United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a health advisory due to increasing cases of the Cochliomyia in Mexico — Tamaulipas, Mexico, highlighting the urgency of the situation.