Texas Animal Health Commission Issues Quarantine for Zavala County Following New World Screwworm Detection
ZAVALA COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Animal Health Commission has issued an emergency order establishing animal movement restrictions and a quarantine zone in Zavala County following the confirmation of New World Screwworm in a bovine on June 3, 2026.
The order, signed by Texas Animal Health Commission Executive Director Dr. Lewis R. Dinges, establishes what officials are calling “Infested Zone 01” and places strict movement restrictions on warm blooded animals within the affected area.
According to the order, New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that poses a serious threat to livestock, exotic livestock, domestic fowl, wildlife, and public health. The larvae feed on living tissue after flies lay eggs in wounds or soft tissue openings, potentially causing severe injury, secondary infections, and death if left untreated.
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The Texas Animal Health Commission noted that New World Screwworm is recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture as a foreign animal disease capable of threatening agriculture, wildlife, public health, and the economy.
Governor Greg Abbott previously issued a statewide disaster declaration on January 29, 2026, due to the growing threat posed by New World Screwworm. The disaster declaration has been renewed each month since its initial issuance.
Officials stated that the June 3 detection in Zavala County prompted the immediate implementation of movement restrictions to prevent the spread of the pest into additional areas of Texas.
Under the quarantine order, warm blooded animals located within Infested Zone 01 cannot be moved outside the quarantine area without prior authorization from the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Animal owners must obtain permission and comply with all conditions established by the Commission before transporting animals beyond the quarantine boundaries.
Before any animal may leave the restricted area, it must be inspected and treated as required by Commission officials and be issued a movement permit or certificate by an authorized representative.
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The order also applies to hides, carcasses, and animal parts capable of serving as hosts for New World Screwworm. These materials must be inspected and treated before they can be removed from the quarantine zone.
Unauthorized movement of animals or animal products from the restricted area is prohibited and may result in administrative penalties and criminal prosecution.
The quarantine will remain in effect until it is officially lifted by the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Animal health officials emphasized that restricting the movement of potentially infested animals is one of the most effective methods available to prevent additional infestations and reduce the spread of New World Screwworm across Texas.
The Texas Animal Health Commission continues working with state and federal partners to monitor the situation and implement eradication efforts following the first confirmed United States detection of New World Screwworm since its eradication in 1966.
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