~ In a recent press release, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas announced that several institutions in the state have been selected to receive significant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. This initiative aims to strengthen NWS detection, control, and eradication capabilities by providing approximately $105 million in funding for 40 innovative projects nationwide.

Governor Abbott expressed his confidence in Texas' ability to combat the NWS threat, stating that the state is prepared to push this danger out for good. He also thanked USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for her swift action in awarding these grants and for her unwavering support as Texas works towards eradicating this pest.

Among the Texas institutions receiving awards are 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, and other entities within the Texas A&M system. These projects will focus on various methods such as sterile insect technique enhancements, novel traps and lures, therapeutics, AI-enabled surveillance, drone monitoring, and other tools to improve preparedness and response.

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Secretary Rollins also expressed her satisfaction with the proposals received for the Grand Challenge, stating that they represent bold and innovative ideas backed by science. She believes that these projects will reinforce existing efforts and help safeguard American agriculture and food supply. She also emphasized that by leveraging innovative solutions and advancements in technology, they can beat this pest again in record time.

The NWS Grand Challenge was launched on January 21st as part of Secretary Rollins' five-pronged plan to support producers, protect the food supply, and build long-term resilience. It received a total of 226 applications requesting approximately $664 million before selecting the 40 funded projects.

Texans are urged to remain vigilant in the fight against NWS by inspecting their livestock and pets for wounds and immediately reporting any suspected cases, including in wildlife. For livestock and pets, reports can be made to the Texas Animal Health Commission's 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242. For wildlife reports, contact Texas Parks and Wildlife's 24-hour biologists' call line at 512-389-4505. It is important not to move affected animals.

For the latest updates, guidance, and resources on NWS, Texans can visit the TAHC website at tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html or the USDA website at screwworm.gov. With these efforts and continued vigilance from Texans, it is hoped that NWS can be eradicated from the state once and for all.

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