On Aug. 31, the Texas Animal Health Commission lifted restrictions in parts of the state previously identified as New World screwworm-infested zones. TAHC said parts of Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle and Webb counties were released from movement restrictions after “months of coordinated surv eillance and eradication activities.” TAHC said the surveillance and eradication efforts provided sufficient evidence that the wild NWS population had been eliminated in those areas. “We are pleased with the incredible work and cooperation that has led us to the release of these first zones,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC executive director and Texas state veterinarian. Just one day later, on Sept. 1, TAHC established a new infested zone in Crockett County related to an NWS detection in a dog. As of Sept. 2, USDA data show 48 New World screwworm animal cases nationwide, with 47 in Texas and one in New Mexico. TAHC reports cases in 16 Texas counties, while movement restrictions are currently in place in portions of 19 counties. Where are New World screwworm zones in Texas? The map below shows current New World screwworm response zones in Texas. Search for an address or click an area on the map to see the guidance that applies in that location. Yellow areas are NWS infested zones, where restrictions apply to the movement of warm-blooded animals out of the zone. Animals must receive prior authorization from the Texas Animal Health Commission before leaving the zone. Blue areas are adjacent surveillance zones. Animal movement restrictions do not apply in these areas, but officials conduct surveillance and other response activities because they surround an infested zone. Clicking or searching a location will provide additional information about movement requirements, surveillance activities and what to do if you suspect an infestation. How officials are tracking and fighting New World screwworm So far, USDA data show no New World screwworm flies have been detected through fly-trapping surveillance in Texas, despite confirmed infestations in animals. Fly trapping is one part of a broader surveillance effort as officials monitor affected and surrounding areas. Sterile flies are also being released to disrupt the pest’s reproductive cycle. The technique works by releasing large numbers of sterile male flies that mate with wild females. Because those matings produce no offspring, repeated releases can reduce the wild fly population over time. Sterile flies used in the response are also being transported into Texas from outside the country. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Wednesday it has facilitated 96 shipments of sterile NWS pupae and viable flies from Panama through Del Rio International Airport, McAllen International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and the Port of Pharr/Hidalgo. CBP said its role in the federal response also includes clearing critical supplies and equipment, training frontline personnel and helping facilitate travel for foreign pilots and mechanics supporting USDA’s screwworm response. Even after movement restrictions are lifted, some of those activities can continue. TAHC said sterile fly releases, fly trapping and animal surveillance may continue in areas that have been released from NWS movement restrictions. What is New World screwworm? New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae, or maggots, feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. It can infest livestock, wildlife and pets, and more rarely birds and people. Female flies lay eggs in wounds or body openings. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into living tissue, causing wounds that can become larger and deeper and, without treatment, can cause serious or potentially deadly damage. Animal owners should watch for maggots in wounds, wounds that grow or drain, a foul odor and signs of pain or unusual behavior. USDA advises people who suspect an infestation in an animal to contact a veterinarian and report it to animal health officials. New World screwworm was eradicated from the United States in the 1960s using the sterile insect technique, which releases sterile male flies that mate with wild females without producing offspring. The same technique is a key part of the current response. [Learn more about New World screwworm, including what to watch for and how it is treated.] What should I do to protect animals from New World screwworm USDA says animal owners should focus on checking their animals rather than trying to identify adult screwworm flies, which can be difficult to distinguish from other flies. Check animals regularly for wounds and signs of infestation. Warning signs can include maggots or eggs in or around wounds and body openings, wounds that grow or drain, and behavior changes like irritability or loss of appetite. Treat wounds promptly and try to prevent unnecessary wounds. Animal owners should work with a veterinarian to determine appropriate products for prevention or treatment. Report suspected infestations immediately. In Texas, report livestock cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian. Report suspected wildlife cases to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. If an animal is in a New World screwworm-infested zone, additional movement requirements may apply. [Learn more about how to protect pets] USDA also launched new resources this week for hunters and wildlife professionals. The agency says it has examined more than 6,600 wild animals across 28 species in high-risk Texas counties without finding evidence of New World screwworm. Hunters who encounter signs of maggot infestations in live or very recently dead wildlife are being asked to report them to Texas Parks and Wildlife. ...read more read less