Texas officials gathered at the State Operations Center in Austin on June 5, 2026, after a New World Screwworm infestation was confirmed in a South Texas calf, the first known case since 1966. Gov. Greg Abbott received briefings from state and federal officials as agencies expanded efforts to contain the pest, which threatens livestock, wildlife and pets.
During a news conference, Gov. Greg Abbott said, "This is a serious issue that we're going to take very seriously."
Rear Admiral Michael Schmoyer, director of the New World Screwworm Directorate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, stated, "We're very concerned about it spreading."
Dr. Lewis R. “Bud” Dinges, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, was present during the briefing along with Phillip Kaufman, head of the Texas A&M Department of Entomology. An official with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension was also seen working.
The officials are collaborating in the efforts to prevent the spread of the screwworm, which can be devastating to agriculture and wildlife in the state.