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Hood County urges federal action to combat emerging screw worm fly threat
Summary
Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution calling on federal agencies to accelerate production of sterile screw-worm flies and to authorize ivermectin feed premix amid reports of new infestations threatening livestock and wildlife.
Hood County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution on June 10 urging immediate federal action to combat an emerging new-world screw worm fly infestation that extension officials warned could threaten livestock, wildlife and rural economies.
County Extension staff briefed the court on the sterile-insect technique—the primary control method for screw worm—and on recent detections beyond established buffer zones. The extension agent said the fly lays eggs in fresh wounds of warm-bodied animals and that large-scale outbreaks could cause costly livestock losses and ecological harm.
The adopted resolution asks the president, USDA and FDA to accelerate production of sterile flies and to expedite emergency authorization for use of ivermectin dry premix in livestock and wildlife feed. Commissioner Wilson introduced the resolution after attending a regional meeting in Brownsville that raised alarm about spread and potential human and animal bites.
Commissioners said the resolution is intended to prompt federal coordination and funding; some members noted discomfort with asking federal intervention but expressed support for swift action given the potential scale of economic damage to agriculture and hunting-related businesses. The resolution passed unanimously.
The county plans to forward a certified copy of the resolution to federal agricultural and health officials and the Texas congressional delegation.
