Gov. Abbott, Secretary Rollins to speak on response to New World screwworm

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will hold a press conference Monday to explain Texas' response to New World screwworm.

Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to active Texas's emergency response to a Level 2, or an escalated response, Monday.

"The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority," Gov. Abbott said in a news release.

The USDA has confirmed four cases in Texas as of Monday.

"Sterile flies are the well-established solution to the spread of the New World screwworm," said Gov. Abbott. "The USDA is importing and dispersing those flies across South Texas and will recalibrate to deploy those sterile flies wherever needed. Texas is resilient. It is critical to stay vigilant and stay informed."

New world screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs on open wounds of livestock. These wounds can become fatal if left untreated. The state plans on combatting it with a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg.

You can report suspected New World Screwworm cases in livestock to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.