Texas Universities Receive USDA Funding to Combat New World Screwworm

Governor Greg Abbott announced that several Texas universities and research institutions will receive funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, a nationwide initiative to strengthen efforts to detect, control, and eradicate the destructive livestock pest.

Which Texas institutions received funding?

Among the recipients are researchers from:

• Texas Tech University
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• The University of Texas at Arlington
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Additional Texas A&M-affiliated research entities

The funding is part of approximately $105 million awarded nationwide to support 40 projects focused on combating the New World Screwworm.

What will the funding support?

The selected projects span a wide range of technologies and research initiatives aimed at improving detection, prevention, and eradication efforts.

Funded projects include:

• Sterile insect technique improvements.
• Advanced traps and attractants.
• New treatments and therapeutics.
• Artificial intelligence-powered surveillance systems.
• Drone-based monitoring technology.
• Additional tools to improve pest detection and response.

State officials say these projects will strengthen Texas's ability to protect livestock and agricultural operations from future outbreaks.

What Abbott is saying

Gov. Greg Abbott: "Texas is no stranger to the New World screwworm threat and we are prepared to push this danger out of our state for good."

Gov. Abbott continued: "These grants will empower Texans on the front lines to eradicate the screwworm and protect our livestock industry."

What is the USDA Grand Challenge?

The USDA launched the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge in January 2026 as pat of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollin's five-part strategy to protect livestock producers and strengthen America's food supply.

Why does the New World Screwworm matter?

The New World Screwworm is a flesh-eating parasitic pest whose larvae feed on living tissue in livestock, wildlife, pets, and occasionally humans. A widespread outbreak could result in major economic losses for Texas ranchers and threaten the state's multibillion-dollar livestock industry.