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VICTORIA — Congressman Michael Cloud (TX27) will host a free New World Screwworm Expert Panel & Updates event on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex. This event will have a panel of experts from state and federal agencies to brief Texas ranchers, veterinarians, and the public on the pest’s spread and the response underway to contain it.
New World Screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic fly whose larvae (maggots) feed on animals and humans, causing severe tissue damage and left untreated, death. The NWS was eradicated from the United States decades ago but has been moving through Mexico in recent years. In June 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first domestic detection in Zavala County and additional cases in South Texas, soon followed. Texas has partnered with federal agencies to deploy sterile fly releases, establish quarantine zones, enhance border trapping, and issue emergency treatment.
The panel will feature:
• Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Dan Hunter, State Executive Director, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Stephen Diebel, President of Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA)
• Dr. Lewis’s “Bud” Dinges, State Veterinarian of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
• Kory Gann, Big Game Director of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) Additionally, speakers will take part in a Q&A to address questions from ranchers, veterinarians, and other attendees. Information booths will be available throughout the evening with resources from participating agencies and organizations. Thank you to the Victoria College for the partnership on this event.
The Victoria Col lege Emerging Technolog y Complex is located at 7403 Lone Tree Rd, Victoria, TX 77905. Register to attend for free at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ new-world-screwworm-expert- panel-updates-tickets- 1994722252955/.
