Travis County Judge Brown signs local disaster declaration over screwworm threat

Travis County Judge Brown announced that he is signing a local disaster declaration for Travis County to prepare for the threat posed by the New World screwworm. "This declaration is a proactive measure that allows us to better coordinate resources, strengthen communication with our state and federal partners, and ensure we're prepared to respond quickly if this pest is detected in our region," he said.

County officials stressed the declaration is preventive: there are no documented cases in Travis County. Judge Brown said the declaration shortens procurement timelines and can open funding pathways if a federal declaration follows. "If we need to hire somebody ... that I can do that without going through the normal purchasing process, so it shortens timelines for response to things like that," he said. Officials offered contact information for the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for reporting and follow-up.