Texas officials ramp up screwworm response as threat nears border

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – A dangerous livestock pest once eradicated from the United States has been detected just 70 miles from the Texas border, prompting action from state agriculture and wildlife officials.

Mexico's health agency confirmed a case of New World Screwworm in the state of Nuevo Leon. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the cow had been moved to a certified feedlot from a region in southern Mexico.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said the discovery an urgent threat and the state is prepared to act quickly to prevent the pest from reentering Texas.

"We have a plan that will eradicate this screw worm in 60 days," Miller said. "Last time we used sterile flies, it did eradicate the screwworm fly, but it took 29 years to do it. We don't have 29 days. We need