Travis County officials have issued a local disaster declaration as a precaution against the growing threat posed by the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that has recently been detected in several parts of Texas.
County Judge Andy Brown signed the declaration, emphasizing that there are currently no known cases of the parasite in Travis County. Officials say the move is intended to improve coordination with state and federal agencies and ensure resources are available if the pest is detected locally.
The New World screwworm is the larval stage of a parasitic fly that lays eggs in the wounds and body openings of warm-blooded animals. Once hatched, the larvae feed on living tissue, posing a serious threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and, in rare cases, humans…