| AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) executive director officially released movement restrictions for areas of Texas previously deemed as New World screwworm (NWS) Infested Zones. Following months of coordinated surveillance and eradication activities, designated areas of Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, and Webb Counties were released from New World Screwworm (NWS) movement restrictions on August 31, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Texas’ ongoing NWS response. The executive director orders recognize robust response activities in these areas, lending to science-backed confidence in the release of these restrictions. View the official release orders for zone 02.A and 03. The comprehensive eradication strategy implemented by state, federal, industry, veterinary, and local partners delivered sufficient evidence that the wild NWS population in these affected areas have been eliminated. “We are pleased with the incredible work and cooperation that has led us to the release of these first zones,” said Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC executive director and Texas state veterinarian. “It has taken everyone’s diligence and focused efforts to get us to this point in the response. While we are certainly celebrating this milestone, we can’t take our eye off the ball and must remain vigilant in monitoring animals and reporting any suspicions in these newly released areas and beyond.” The updated NWS interactive map is available on the TAHC NWS landing page and continues to reflect current zones with NWS movement requirements in place. Animal owners and producers should continue to stay up to date on the current situation, remain aware of how to prevent NWS infestations, and report any suspicious wounds or infestations immediately. TAHC, USDA, and other response partners may continue to conduct regulatory activities in areas released from NWS Infested Zones. These activities can include sterile fly releases, fly surveillance trapping, and animal surveillance. Landowners are encouraged to continue to monitor domestic animals and wildlife as often as possible for signs of odd behavior, wounds, and larval infestations. All suspicions of NWS infestations must be reported to a TAHC Region Office or 1-800-55-8242, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wildlife biologist or 512-389-4505, or your private veterinarian. Learn more about NWS, the statewide situation, and more through the TAHC or USDA website. The executive director order for releasing these areas is issued pursuant to Texas Agriculture Code, Chapters 161 – 168, and applicable regulations found in Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 2, Chapters 31 – 60 and is effective immediately. | 
