Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Deploys Massive Screwworm Education Campaign Across Texas

With New World screwworm cases now confirmed in multiple Texas counties, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has shifted its educational efforts into high gear. The agency announced it will host a series of community meetings throughout June, bringing expert guidance directly to livestock producers, wildlife managers, and animal owners across the state.

This latest push builds on an already extensive outreach effort. Over the past year, AgriLife Extension has conducted 316 educational events on screwworm preparedness, reaching nearly 23,000 Texans. County agents and specialists have logged more than 45,000 educational hours on the topic, according to agency records.

"We've been preparing for this moment," said a program coordinator with AgriLife Extension. "Now that screwworm is here, we're making sure every producer knows exactly what to look for and how to respond."

What Texans Will Learn

The upcoming workshops cover the essentials of screwworm management: how to inspect animals for signs of infestation, when and how to report suspected cases, and what treatment options are available. Many sessions also offer continuing education units for licensed pesticide applicators through the Texas Department of Agriculture.

The curriculum draws from decades of research and real-world experience. Texas A&M experts played key roles in previous screwworm eradication efforts, and that institutional knowledge now informs the current response.

June Workshop Schedule

AgriLife Extension has scheduled events across diverse regions of Texas, ensuring accessibility for rural communities:

June 16 — Wilbarger County Update in Vernon (free, RSVP required by calling 940-552-5474)

June 16 — Sutton County Ranch Equipment Maintenance Workshop in Sonora ($30 per person, includes materials and lunch)

June 17 — Jim Wells County Beef Cattle Herd Health Update in Alice ($20, includes lunch; 2 TDA CEUs available)

June 18 — Karnes and Wilson Counties Joint Update in Panna Maria (free admission; $20 for private applicator CEUs)

June 18 — Atascosa County Educational Workshop in Jourdanton (free)

June 19 — Burnet County Pasture Mealy Bug and Screwworm Update in Burnet (free, RSVP requested)

Additional sessions continue through month's end in Wichita County, Hays County, Kimble County, Medina County, Bandera County, Montague County, Hale County, Goliad County, Brewster-Jeff Davis County, Willacy County, and Martin County.

Centralized Resources Available Online

For those unable to attend in-person events, AgriLife Extension maintains a comprehensive digital resource hub at tx.ag/screwworm. The site offers fact sheets, management guidance, identification photos, and the latest news updates.

The online portal serves as a critical backup as the outbreak evolves. With screwworm now detected in at least a dozen locations across Texas, including cases roughly 200 miles from the initial detection site, rapid information dissemination has become essential.

Why Education Matters Now

New World screwworm poses a unique threat to Texas agriculture. The parasitic fly lays eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals; larvae then burrow into flesh and can kill untreated animals within days. While the pest doesn't affect food safety, it threatens the state's cattle industry at a time when the U.S. herd is already at a 75-year low.

Movement restrictions in affected areas are already complicating livestock operations. The Texas Animal Health Commission has quarantined portions of ten counties, requiring inspection and certification before animals can be transported.

Early detection and rapid reporting remain the most effective tools for containment. AgriLife Extension's education campaign aims to ensure every livestock owner in Texas knows the warning signs and understands the reporting protocol.

Producers seeking additional information can contact their local AgriLife Extension county office or visit the centralized resource hub for updates on future workshops and developments in the screwworm response.