Commissioners adopt resolution backing response to new‑world screw worm after state briefing

Brewster County Commissioners on June 23 adopted a resolution endorsing state and federal efforts to detect and contain new‑world screw worm after a presentation from the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Aspen Walsh, local animal health inspector with the Texas Animal Health Commission, told the court "There are currently 16 cases" in the wider response area and said Mexico "is reporting over 30,000 cases up to date, and, they have over 1,500 active cases right now in Mexico." Walsh described a mix of ground trapping and aerial sterile‑fly releases coordinated with USDA and state partners and said Texas agencies are preparing local trap deployments.

The court discussed the regional risk and then voted to approve a resolution supporting response activities and emergency coordination. The judge introduced the motion; commissioners voiced their approval and the resolution passed with commissioners saying "aye." The resolution directs county staff to coordinate with state animal‑health officials on local trapping, public messaging to ranchers, and any county assistance requests.

The county will host or promote a community information forum next Monday, where state agencies and local partners will answer questions about identifying infected animals, reporting suspected cases, and the sterile‑fly control measures. Commissioners emphasized outreach to ranchers and the livestock community and directed staff to ensure the county's veterinary and fair‑travel assets are reviewed for biosecurity concerns.

The court did not adopt any new regulatory restrictions at the meeting; the resolution is a formal expression of support and intent to coordinate with state and federal response operations.