State animal health officials have established a New World screwworm infested zone in central Brewster County following the confirmation of the livestock parasite in the region.
According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, the designated infestation area is surrounded by an adjacent surveillance zone where increased monitoring and animal inspections will take place. The affected area lies south and east of Alpine and includes portions of ranchland along U.S. Highway 90 and State Highway 385.
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, horses, wildlife, pets and, in rare cases, humans. The pest was eradicated from the United States decades ago but has remained a concern in Mexico and other parts of the Western Hemisphere.
Officials use infested and surveillance zones to track the spread of the parasite, conduct inspections and implement control measures designed to prevent additional cases. Livestock owners within the affected area are being urged to closely monitor animals for wounds that do not heal properly, unusual irritation or evidence of maggot infestations.
The establishment of the zone comes as state and federal animal health authorities intensify efforts to contain and eradicate the pest before it spreads further across Texas ranch country.
Brewster County is the largest county in Texas and includes extensive cattle ranching operations as well as significant wildlife populations, making surveillance efforts particularly important for both agricultural and conservation interests.
Officials have not announced additional restrictions but are encouraging ranchers, veterinarians and residents to report suspected cases immediately to animal health authorities.
The Texas Animal Health Commission said monitoring will continue throughout the region, with surveillance focused on detecting any new infestations and preventing the parasite from becoming established in the state.
