Brown County outlines screw-worm preparedness, schedules seminar June 24 at Adams Branch

Brown County officials told the Commissioners Court they have been monitoring reports of screw-worm and are coordinating a public-information and inspection plan ahead of a county seminar on June 24 at the Adams Branch Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m.

A county official said staff have been attending coordination calls, are drafting a “concrete plan” for what producers should look for and how to report suspected cases, and intend to centralize resources on the county website. The official emphasized the need for clear guidance so small producers can take correct actions.

Staff described an interagency response in Texas: Texas Parks and Wildlife will handle wild animals, the Texas Animal Health Commission will handle livestock, the Department of State Health Services will handle human-health concerns, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is leading coordination statewide. County staff will also pursue training: a free four-hour online class was noted and qualified trainees can be deputy-certified inspectors through the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Staff member Cliff (surname unclear on the record) said the county will wait to hear whether the city of Brownwood and the city of Bang will serve as representatives on a work group, and once those city decisions are made the county will push information publicly and consolidate guidance on its website.

Ending: The court set a budget workshop and a called special meeting for June 24 (workshop 9:00 a.m.; special meeting 1:30 p.m.); the screw-worm seminar is scheduled for the evening of June 24. The record includes planning and offers of staff training but no formal emergency declaration or funding appropriation at this meeting.