Simon Peter Bend Ranch

06/08/2026

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today responded to three new New World screwworm (NWS) detections, including in Gillespie and Andrews Counties (in Central and West Texas) as well as the first confirmed case in New Mexico, warning that the pest's continued march into Texas demands immediate action from federal officials.

"We’ve seen detections in four counties and two states. This should set off alarm bells across the country. Every day we delay gives this pest another opportunity to spread," Miller said.

Commissioner Miller renewed his call for USDA to immediately deploy the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS), a proven USDA-developed program that uses targeted bait to kill fertile adult screwworm flies before they can reproduce.

"For over a year, I've been pushing USDA to bring SWASS back into the fight," Miller said. "I've personally placed the research and bait formula in Secretary Rollins' hands three separate times because we know this tool works. SWASS helped eradicate screwworm from the United States once before, and it can help stop this outbreak before it reaches even deeper into Texas."

Miller stressed that sterile fly releases remain critical but argued that sterile flies and SWASS are most effective when used together.

“It is important to note that neither I nor the Texas Department of Agriculture have advocated for the use of Dichlorvos in SWASS. While that insecticide worked well to eradicate the New World Screwworm from Texas in the 1970s, it has since been determined to be a carcinogen. Nevertheless, there are alternative insecticides available for SWASS which have been determined can be used to safely combat the screwworm as part as SWASS strategy. The cost of prevention is measured in millions. The cost of an outbreak in Texas would be measured in billions. The science is settled. The tools are available. What's missing is urgency from the USDA,” Miller added.

Read the full statement from Commissioner Miller here: https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/News-Events-Details/Article/11932/Commissioner-Sid-Miller-Responds-to-New-Screwworm-Detections-Demands-Immediate

06/06/2026

ATTENTION CATTLE PRODUCERS

The Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA have confirmed a case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in a Texas calf, marking the first confirmed U.S. livestock case since 1966.

State and federal animal health officials are actively responding, but producer awareness remains critical. Producers are encouraged to review fly control programs, work with their veterinarian on approved parasite control options, and closely monitor cattle for unusual wounds, foul odors, larvae, or signs of irritation and discomfort. Special attention should be given to newborn calves, navels, castration sites, dehorning sites, and other areas that may attract flies.

Early detection and prompt reporting are essential.

Read the full Texas Animal Health Commission press release:
https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2026/2026-06-03_NWS_InitialCase.pdf

For additional information and updates:
USDA: www.screwworm.gov
Texas Animal Health Commission:
www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html

06/05/2026

Breaking News: Commissioner Sid Miller responded to the first suspected case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas, criticizing the United States Department of Agriculture for what he called a slow, bureaucratic, and incomplete response that allowed the pest to advance unchecked through Mexico and reach American soil.

"For months, the screwworm has advanced rapidly through Mexico in spite of the USDA’s existing gameplan,” Miller said. “Even though billions of sterile flies have been dispersed by USDA, the screwworm has still advanced over 1100 miles from southern Mexico to Texas, and USDA has missed an important component. Now that it appears the first screwworm has arrived in Texas, the consequences of that decision are now staring us in the face."

As a result, Commissioner Miller is now urging President Trump to direct USDA to immediately deploy the Screwworm Adult Suppression System (SWASS), a proven technology developed by USDA scientists and successfully used during previous eradication campaigns. SWASS uses attractants, bait, and targeted, EPA-approved insecticides to dramatically reduce adult screwworm populations, allowing sterile fly releases to finish the job. For more than a year, the Texas Department of Agriculture has and will continue to stand ready to fast-track approval of the use of SWASS in Texas.

“SWASS was developed by USDA, tested by USDA, and successfully deployed by USDA to eradicate screwworm in Mexico and Texas when it last appeared. USDA already owns the playbook; the only question is whether USDA will use it before this situation gets worse," Miller said.

Read the full statement from Commissioner Miller here: https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Article/11929/Commissioner-Miller-First-Suspected-New-World-Screwworm-Case-in-Texas-Demands-U

05/21/2026

04/29/2026

Agriculture

02/01/2026

UPDATE: Commissioner Sid Miller Continues to Urge Vigilance Against Pasture Mealybug

Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture continue to urge ranchers, hay producers, and landowners to remain vigilant as the invasive pasture mealybug (Helicococcus summervillei) spreads across Texas pastures. Novel to North America, this destructive pest is already damaging grasses in multiple counties.

The LSU AgCenter has also confirmed ongoing infestations in Louisiana sugarcane fields, highlighting that at least two U.S. states are now contending with this emerging threat.

Pasture mealybugs feed at the soil level, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and dieback in bermudagrass, bahiagrass, Johnsongrass, St. Augustine, bluestem species, and more.

“This is a completely new pest to our continent, and Texas is once again on the front lines," Commissioner Miller said. "We need every producer’s eyes on the ground. If you see something off, report it. TDA is working diligently with our federal and state partners to determine how to best combat this novel threat and stop it in its tracks.”

Counties with confirmed infestations include:
Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Refugio, Calhoun, Victoria, Goliad, DeWitt, Lavaca, Fayette, Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria, Galveston, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Brazos, and Robertson.

Producers should look for:
• Yellow, purple, or red foliage
• Poor root growth or dieback from leaf tips
• Fuzzy white insects on blades, stems, soil surfaces, or under debris/cow patties

Take action:
• Scout pastures regularly
• Report suspicious infestations to 1‑800‑TELL‑TDA

Note: No pesticide has been confirmed effective yet. Ongoing joint discussion and research collaboration between federal and state agencies aim to discover solutions.

Early detection is critical. The TDA continues to urge producers to monitor their pastures closely to protect Texas grazing lands.

01/31/2026

As New World screwworm moves further north in Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking decisive and proactive action to shift sterile insect dispersal to better protect U.S. animal and public health. As part of the change, USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.- Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas.

Even though the northernmost active case of NWS is still about 200 miles away from the border, USDA is continuing to ask residents in the area to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS and immediately report anything suspicious to your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge.

More: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-shifts-sterile-fly-dispersal-efforts-defend-us-border

01/28/2026