Why Texas Has Declared a State of Emergency Over New World Screwworms

🚨 Texas has declared a statewide emergency after officials confirmed new cases of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that was eradicated from the United States decades ago. In this video, we examine the latest screwworm cases discovered in Texas, why Governor Greg Abbott expanded the disaster declaration statewide, and what the situation means for cattle producers, horse owners, veterinarians, wildlife managers, and the broader agricultural industry. The New World screwworm (*Cochliomyia hominivorax*) is not an ordinary parasite. Unlike most fly larvae, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue, creating severe wounds that can threaten livestock, horses, wildlife, pets, and even humans. After more than 60 years without a domestic outbreak, the parasite's return has sparked serious concern among animal health officials. Topics covered in this video: ✅ New screwworm cases confirmed in Texas ✅ Why Texas declared a statewide emergency ✅ What the New World screwworm is ✅ How screwworm infestations affect horses and cattle ✅ Risks to ranchers, horse owners, and veterinarians ✅ The sterile insect technique used to combat outbreaks ✅ What happens if the parasite spreads further north ✅ The economic impact on the livestock industry ✅ How to identify possible screwworm infections If you own horses, cattle, goats, sheep, or other livestock, this is a situation worth watching closely. What do you think? Can Texas contain the screwworm before it becomes established, or could this become a larger agricultural crisis? Let us know in the comments. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Texas Declares a State of Emergency 00:21 What Is the New World Screwworm and Why Is It Dangerous? 01:20 How Screwworms Threaten Horses, Cattle, and Other Animals 05:00 Can Texas Stop the Spread? The Sterile Fly Strategy Explained 👍 Like this video if you found it informative. 🔔 Subscribe for more horse industry news, livestock updates, equine welfare discussions, and agricultural current events. #Screwworm #Texas #HorseNews #EquineNews #Livestock #CattleRanching #HorseOwners #VeterinaryMedicine #Agriculture #Ranching #BreakingNews #TexasEmergency #AnimalHealth #HorseWelfare #NewWorldScrewworm This video is for educational purposes and constitutes Fair Use under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976. Allowance is made for “Fair Use” for purposes of education, research, criticism, comment, and news reporting. This video is fully transformative and created in accordance with YouTube’s Content Reuse Policy under the Content Reuse Act. It includes original narration, commentary, educational context, visual edits, and added value through storytelling and analysis. No content is simply re-uploaded. #horse #horses #horsecare #horsenews #equestrian