Officials raise concerns over possible spread of New World Screwworm following the floods

Texas Agricultural Commissioner Sid Miller expressed his concerns Thursday that last week’s floods could potentially worsen the spread of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that spreads quickly and mostly targets warm-blooded animals.

Miller said the state is now currently dealing with more than 40 cases and also criticized the federal response.  Miller said, “USDA has failed in my opinion…”

Miller said flooding and the moisture left behind can make it easier for the screwworm to multiply because of how it develops after eggs drop from an animal.  “The moisture actually helps the screwworm because those eggs fall out of the animal onto the ground, and they need a little bit of.  They have to burrow into the ground, so if it’s moist, it’s very easy, very helpful to the screwworm,” Miller said.

Miller did not say whether any new cases have been directly linked to the floods, but he is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to do more to stop the spread.