The Texas Animal Health Commission has placed parts of Scurry, Fisher, Mitchell and Nolan counties in a New World screwworm infested zone after the pest was detected in a bovine in Mitchell County on Nov. 4, restricting animal movement out of the area.
What the order does
The executive director order, signed Nov. 5 and effective immediately, creates Infested Zone 30. Under the order:
Warm-blooded animals in the zone may not be moved outside it without prior authorization from the commission.
Animals leaving the zone must be inspected and treated as the commission requires and must receive a movement permit or certificate.
Hides, carcasses and parts of animals that can host screwworm must be inspected and treated as a commission representative deems necessary before leaving the zone.
Unauthorized movement may bring administrative penalties or criminal prosecution.
The order stays in effect until the commission releases the quarantine.
What animal owners should do
The commission's interactive zone map lets owners search an address to see whether it falls inside the zone.
Suspected cases in livestock or pets: Contact a commission region office or the Veterinarian on Call at 1-800-550-8242. Report suspected screwworm within 24 hours.
Suspected cases in wildlife: Contact Texas Parks and Wildlife at 512-389-4505.
Movement inspections inside a zone: Call 512-714-1936.
Click Here for the Full Story in the commission's order. More information is on the Texas Animal Health Commission's screwworm page.
