Animal movement restrictions released in Medina, Bandera and Uvalde counties

Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Executive Director Dr. Lewis R. Dinges, D.V.M. has issued  an executive order releasing animal movement restrictions in Medina, Bandera and Uvalde Counties (Infested Zone 09), effective Sept.16. 

The restriction on animal movement was issued June 24 after  New World Screwworm (NWS) was detected June 23 in a bovine in Medina County. 

After issuing the Order in June restricting animal movement, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) worked collaboratively with animal owners, veterinarians, livestock markets, industry organizations, local governments  and other state and federal partners to implement a comprehensive eradication strategy within Infested Zone 09, according to TAHC.

The strategy included USDA’s release of sterile flies in and around the affected area to suppress and eliminate any wild NWS population. These sterile fly releases, combined with animal inspections, treatment protocols, movement controls and continued surveillance efforts have substantially reduced the risk of ongoing NWS infestations.

Therefore, according to the TAHC release order, “sufficient evidence exists to demonstrate that surveillance conducted within the area identified for release  satisfies the criteria for release from quarantine and movement restrictions. 

“Dr. Dinges  further finds that the surveillance conducted following implementation of control and eradication measures, has satisfied the criteria necessary for release of the affected area (Infested Zone 09) and that the movement restrictions imposed by the June 24, 2026, order have achieved their intended purpose.

“Although quarantine and movement restrictions have been released from areas previously within the infested zone,” cautioned TAHC’s Executive Director, “continued vigilance remains essential to prevent the reintroduction or reestablishment of NWS in previously impacted areas.

“Animal owners and caretakers should continue to monitor animals for wounds and clinical signs consistent with NWS infestation and promptly report any suspected cases to TAHC. Critical to preventing new infestations and protecting animal health in Texas are continued surveillance, awareness and timely reporting.”