While the fly has not yet entered Texas, it has steadily spread across Central America and into Mexico, with the closest known presence around 700 miles away as of June 9, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
What’s happening?
In the resolution approved by commissioners, the primary concerns are the impacts of the fly on the agriculture and hunting industries. Both industries are present within Kendall County.
According to the resolution, the hunting industry contributes around $4.46 billion annually.
While a resolution does not require action from state or federal leaders, it does highlight the position Kendall County takes on the issue and calls on government organizations to address the potential spread of the fly.
On June 9, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, alongside state and national organizations, held a webinar on the potential screwworm threat.
The New World Screwworm is a parasite targeting living mammals, including livestock and wildlife, according to Phillip Kaufman, head of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M.
On the wildlife side, the screwworm historically had significant impacts on White-tailed Deer, and could result in population declines over 50% in some affected areas, Terry Hensley with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service said.
The resolution was brought before the court by Precinct 3 Commissioner Richard Chapman.
“It is very costly to the farmers and ranchers,” Chapman said. “It affects all our wildlife as well.”
Some context
This is not the first time a screwworm threat has made its way to Texas, causing damage in the 1960s, and requiring efforts to eradicate the fly.
The process of eradicating the insect involved releasing sterilized flies since the insects only breed once in their lifetime. By overwhelming the population with sterile flies, the species dies out.
The estimated cost to eradicate flies from the country would be around $1.27 billion, adjusting previous initiatives to today’s dollars, according to data from the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Major takeaways
Despite not being in the state yet, the public is encouraged to keep an eye out for New World Screwworms in mammals.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension lists the following signs as identifiers of an infestation:
- Foul-smelling wounds with visible maggots
- Animals biting or licking at wounds
- Lesions in navels, ears, dehorning or branding sites
- Unusual restlessness or lethargy
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has an office in Kendall County, located at 118 Saunders Street, Boerne. Additional information can be found here.
TAHC Deputy Executive Director T.R. Lansford, III, on June 9, said the state is aware of screwworm concerns and will work to ensure any potential infestations are handled.
“The big reason why we are concerned about this pest is not from an animal welfare standpoint, but certainly from an economic standpoint, this pest can be one that will leave quite a mark on our economy,” he said.
