South Texas remains clear of screwworm as inspections intensify along major highways

There is no sign so far of the New World screwworm in South Texas, a flesh-eating pest that has ravaged cattle in northern Mexico, and U.S. officials remain on the hunt.

Inspection stations on several highways from the Valley to central and north Texas are checking livestock transports for screwworm and other diseases. In late October, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) announced on its social media channels that livestock vehicle inspections would continue to operate. The stations are mobile and can be relocated as needed.

Isaac Sulemana, chief of staff for Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez, told the RGV Business Journal this week that no screwworms have been found in South Texas. Sulemana added that a livestock inspection station is currently located just north of the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias on Highway 281.

TAHC officials are authorized to issue citations to anyone who does not stop at livestock inspection stations, whether live animals are being transported or empty trailers are hauled. TAHC can also conduct road stops to ensure anyone moving livestock meets all health requirements, in order to control disease.