by | Published
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has imposed emergency animal movement restrictions and established a quarantine zone covering portions of Gillespie, Kerr and Kimble counties following the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in a goat in Gillespie County.
The emergency order, signed June 9 by TAHC Executive Director Andy Schwartz, created what officials are calling Infested Zone 03, a designated quarantine area intended to stop the spread of one of the most destructive livestock parasites in the Western Hemisphere.
The action comes just days after state officials confirmed New World Screwworm in a Gillespie County goat on June 8, marking a significant development in Texas' ongoing battle against the pest.
New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals. Unlike common maggots that consume dead tissue, New World Screwworm larvae invade healthy tissue, creating painful and expanding wounds that can lead to severe infections, permanent injury and death if left untreated.
According to the TAHC, the parasite threatens livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, exotic fowl, wildlife and pets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies New World Screwworm as a foreign animal disease because of its potential impact on agriculture, public health, wildlife populations and the economy.
“New World Screwworm poses a serious threat to livestock, exotic livestock, fowl, and exotic fowl in Texas,” the agency stated in its order.
The latest restrictions follow a statewide disaster declaration issued by Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 29, 2026, due to concerns about the potential spread of New World Screwworm into Texas. The governor has renewed that declaration each month since.
On June 5, Abbott issued an updated statewide disaster proclamation after the parasite was detected within Texas.
State officials warned that an established screwworm population could have devastating consequences for Texas ranchers and livestock producers, particularly in regions heavily dependent on cattle, sheep, goat and exotic game operations.
The quarantine applies to designated portions of Gillespie, Kerr and Kimble counties identified by the Texas Animal Health Commission as Infested Zone 03.
The zone encompasses areas surrounding the confirmed detection and is intended to create a buffer that limits the movement of potentially infested animals while eradication and surveillance efforts continue.
Under the emergency order, warm-blooded animals located inside Infested Zone 03 cannot be moved outside the quarantine area without prior approval from the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Before any movement is authorized, animals must:
Be inspected by a commission representative.
Receive any required treatments.
Be issued an official permit or certificate authorizing transport.
The restrictions apply broadly to livestock and other warm-blooded animals capable of carrying screwworm larvae.
The order also places restrictions on:
Animal hides.
Carcasses.
Animal parts capable of serving as hosts for New World Screwworm.
These materials must be inspected and treated before they can legally leave the quarantine zone.
According to state officials, moving infested animals can spread both screwworm flies and larvae into new areas, creating additional outbreaks.
The TAHC said stopping animal movement is one of the most effective methods available to limit the spread of the parasite and reduce the risk of permanent establishment in Texas.
“Moving infested animals can spread NWS flies and larvae, cause new infestations, and may increase the overall NWS population,” the order states. “Stopping the movement of infested animals and ensuring animals are moved safely is essential to limit the spread of NWS and reduce its impact in Texas.”
The commission warned that unauthorized movement of animals, hides, carcasses or other regulated materials from Infested Zone 03 is prohibited.
Violators may face administrative penalties and criminal prosecution under Texas animal health laws.
The quarantine remains effective immediately and will stay in place until the Texas Animal Health Commission formally lifts the order.
Animal health officials continue monitoring the affected region and are urging livestock owners, veterinarians and animal caretakers to inspect animals for unusual wounds, signs of infestation or abnormal tissue damage and to immediately report suspected cases to state animal health authorities.
The detection has heightened concern among ranchers across Texas, where livestock production contributes billions of dollars annually to the state's economy.
