Fox News — Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm fly into the Lone Star State, protecting livestock and wildlife from potential harm.

Key Facts:

– The New World screwworm fly is moving north from Mexico towards the U.S. border.
– Abbott’s declaration allows the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to use state resources to prevent the parasite’s spread.
– Texas officials are prepared to eradicate the pest if necessary.
– Abbott established a joint response team with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Animal Health Commission.
– A partnership with the USDA led to the creation of a $750 million sterile fly breeding facility near Edinburg, Texas.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration to prevent the potential spread of the New World screwworm fly into the Lone Star State. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

The Department of Agriculture warned about the devastating impact of the New World screwworm, which can cause severe damage to animals and pose a threat to the food supply and national security.

The New World screwworm fly is spreading north from Mexico toward the U.S. border. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)