New World Screwworm

The outbreak has added 34 confirmed infestations in just three days across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Federal officials report 55 active cases and a second wildlife infestation in Texas.

A federal court in San Antonio has dismissed a lawsuit by three civil rights organizations against the Texas Secretary of State. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider reports the organizations had sought records related to delays in processing more than half a million Texas voter registration applications. The flesh-eating New World screwworm is spreading across the southern United States, with federal officials now confirming 71 cases since June. Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies reports the fly has now reached Arizona, the most recent cases include four dogs and a cat.

Día de Muertos or the Day of the Dead is coming up on Nov. 1 and 2 and in observation, Lubbock Public Libraries is bringing back its annual community ofrenda. The ofrenda will be up today through Nov. 6 at the Mahon Public Library. It will also include educational information about Día de Muertos for those who may be new to the celebration. New cases of New World screwworm have been confirmed in West Texas and New Mexico, bringing the nationwide total to 61 since June. Texas wildlife officials confirm the first wildlife infestation of the current outbreak in an elk harvested by a hunter in Pecos County.

A federal judge has ordered all border-related construction to stop immediately in Texas’ Big Bend region, including in Big Bend National Park. As Marfa Public Radio’s Mary Cantrell reports, the emergency injunction will remain in effect while a lawsuit moves forward. A new case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in a dog in Brewster County, bringing the U.S. total to 53 since June. Animal owners are urged to regularly check for wounds or maggots and immediately report any suspected infestations.

Sonora's cattle ranchers' union says the border will reopen to live cattle after a "technical problem" is resolved.

The Trump administration has tried to lower beef prices for months, but demand, drought and a parasite have foiled its efforts. Some ranchers are frustrated with the administration's latest moves.

Texas lawmakers say they may have to reign in the police use of some popular surveillance tools, such as drones and automatic license plate readers, during next year’s legislative session. This week, the U.S. started accepting cattle from Mexico again after a lengthy hold on cattle imports, mostly due to the presence of New World Screwworm. Harvest Public Media’s Michael Marks reports it’s a relief for American businesses like feedlots and meatpackers.

The case comes just days before the U.S.-Mexico border is scheduled to reopen to cattle, starting with the Arizona-Sonora border.

The spray can be used for prevention but not for treatment of wounds affected by the New World screwworm.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized emergency use of a new wound spray to help ranchers protect livestock from New World screwworm. Texas Public Radio’s Yvette Benavides reports on CLiK Extra. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller thanked the FDA for the approval, but expressed frustration over the U.S. Department of Agriculture's continued reliance on sterile flies.