Texas Governor Activates Emergency Response for Screwworm Outbreak
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has activated the State Emergency Operations Center at Level II in response to a screwworm outbreak affecting livestock. The New World screwworm, a parasite that feeds on living tissue, poses a significant threat to cattle production in Texas, the nation's top cattle-producing state. The outbreak has already resulted in five confirmed cases, including four in Texas and one in New Mexico. The emergency response involves deploying state resources to detect and contain the parasite, with a focus on protecting livestock and preventing disruptions to the U.S. food supply. The situation is being closely monitored by state and federal agencies, with efforts to prevent the spread of the parasite to other states. 
