The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is ramping up its statewide outreach this month, hosting a new series of educational events focused on the New World screwworm — a destructive livestock and wildlife pest that experts say requires early detection, rapid reporting, and informed treatment.
AgriLife Extension specialists will lead sessions across Texas throughout June, offering producers, wildlife managers, and animal owners the latest guidance on identifying the pest, understanding inspection protocols, and knowing when and how to report suspected cases.
This month’s meetings build on an already massive educational effort. Over the past year, AgriLife Extension has conducted 316 events, reaching nearly 23,000 Texans. County agents and specialists have logged more than 45,000 educational hours, preparing communities for the pest’s potential arrival and ensuring Texans have access to accurate, science‑based information.
To support these in‑person efforts, AgriLife Extension also maintains a centralized online hub with fact sheets, management recommendations, and up‑to‑date news at tx.ag/screwworm.
June Events Across Texas
Throughout June, communities from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast will host meetings featuring New World screwworm updates, herd health discussions, and integrated pest management guidance. Many programs are free, while others include small fees to cover materials, meals, or continuing education units for licensed pesticide applicators.
Highlights include:
- Wilbarger County New World Screwworm Update — June 16, Vernon Free with RSVP; lunch provided.
- Sutton County Ranch Equipment Maintenance Workshop — June 16, Sonora Includes screwworm education; $30 per person or $50 per couple.
- Jim Wells County Beef Cattle Herd Health & Screwworm Update — June 17, Alice $20 at the door; includes lunch and two CEUs.
- Karnes & Wilson Counties Screwworm Update — June 18, Panna Maria Free admission; CEUs available for a fee.
- Atascosa County Screwworm Educational Workshop — June 18, Jourdanton Free and open to the public.
- Burnet County Pasture Mealy Bug & Screwworm Update — June 19, Burnet Free with RSVP.
- Wichita County Screwworm Informational Seminar — June 22, Wichita Falls Free with RSVP.
- Hays County Screwworm Update — June 22, San Marcos
- Medina County Protecting Herd Profitability Workshop — June 23, Hondo Free with RSVP.
- Bandera County Pest Update — June 23, Bandera Free with registration.
- Montague County Screwworm Informational Meeting — June 23, Online
- Hale & Floyd Counties Cattle Talk — June 24, Plainview
- 16th Annual Central Texas Stocker Cattle Program — June 24, West $20 per person; breakfast and steak lunch included.
- Goliad County Screwworm Update — June 25, Weesatche
- Brewster–Jeff Davis County Screwworm Community Forum — June 29, Alpine
- Willacy County Screwworm Educational Program — June 29, Raymondville Free with RSVP.
- Martin County Screwworm Informational — June 30, Stanton $10 at the door.
Protecting Texas Livestock and Wildlife
AgriLife Extension officials say the goal of these events is simple: ensure Texans are prepared. Early recognition and swift reporting are critical to preventing widespread impacts on cattle, wildlife, and other animals across the state.
By combining local workshops, expert instruction, and a robust online resource hub, AgriLife Extension continues to lead the statewide effort to safeguard Texas agriculture and natural resources.
