County officials warn of mealybug pasture infestations; state assistance sought
Summary
County leaders reported seven reported pasture infestations of a grass‑eating mealybug and said state AgriLife is investigating; no licensed treatment for pasture grasses was available and a PDF with guidance will be posted to the county website.
During opening announcements on May 27, the presiding judge reported that Lavaca County AgriLife Extension has documented mealybug infestations in multiple pastures (seven cases cited) that consume grass down to the root. The judge said the insect can spread on balers, tractor equipment or clothing and that, to date, there is no licensed pasture treatment widely available locally.
The judge said state-level AgriLife personnel are reviewing options and cited Australia as an example of successful management approaches; he said the county would post a PDF brochure provided by extension staff to the county website for landowners.
County officials emphasized that affected pastures may need replanting and urged landowners to report suspected cases. No countywide eradication program or funding was announced; staff said they are awaiting state guidance on licensed treatments.
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