Backcountry Drones

06/07/2026

Sharing for awareness. Great plan of action from The Wildlife Vet!

Many people have requested that I share my personal screwworm treatment protocol. Here it is.

Disclaimer: I am not sharing this as your veterinarian. I am sharing what I will doing on my patients as of June 2026. I’m not emotionally attached to this protocol. When I learn something better or more effective, I will adapt/add/stop/whatever as needed. In other words, this protocol will evolve and improve as better information is provided. Consult with your personal vet about all suspect and confirmed cases of NWS. This is not a substitute for that. I will not treat or be involved with any suspect cases without reporting to and involving TAHC and USDA.

06/06/2026

🚨SECOND SCREWWORM CASE CONFIRMED🚨

The second case was found in a one-month-old calf 5.6 miles away from where the first case was detected on Wednesday, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture social media post. USDA deployed mobile response teams and increased surveillance in the area in response to the detection, the post said. -Texas Tribune

Current Status

• 2 confirmed New World Screwworm cases in Texas
• Both cases located in Zavala County near La Pryor
• Active quarantine remains in place
• Animal movement restrictions remain active
• Sterile fly release operations continue
• No confirmed wildlife cases reported

What We’re Watching

• Additional livestock detections
• First wildlife detection
• Expansion of quarantine boundaries
• Additional USDA and TAHC response measures

Key Takeaway

The biggest change is the confirmation of a second infected calf in Zavala County.

The response remains focused on containment, surveillance, trapping, and sterile fly suppression. While officials continue to characterize the situation as localized, Texas now has more than a single isolated detection.

Backcountry Drones will continue monitoring updates from TAHC, USDA APHIS, Texas A&M AgriLife, TPWD, TSCRA, and wildlife organizations.

06/05/2026

🪰DAY 2 NEW WORLD SCREWWORM UPDATE ⚠️

TEXAS RESPONSE ESCALATES

Texas officials have increased response efforts following the confirmed New World Screwworm detection in a calf near La Pryor in Zavala County.

Current status:

• 1 confirmed Texas case
• Infested Zone active in portions of Zavala and Uvalde Counties
• Animal movement restrictions in place
• USDA sterile fly releases underway
• Additional surveillance and trapping operations ongoing
• No additional confirmed Texas cases reported

Governor Abbott has pledged full state support and warned that the coming months could be critical to preventing further spread.

While much of the attention has focused on cattle, New World Screwworm can affect livestock, wildlife, pets, exotic game animals, and feral hogs.

Backcountry Drones will continue monitoring official updates from TAHC, USDA APHIS, TPWD, TSCRA, Texas A&M AgriLife, and other trusted sources.

📸 Texas Tribune

06/05/2026

⚠️ Graphic veterinary image for educational purposes⚠️

This Screwworm isn’t dangerous to just livestock and wildlife, it’s devastating for pets. Especially strays and feral dogs and cats.

When trapping and rescuing feral/street dogs and cats, thorough inspection is of utmost importance. Even privately owned pets need to be checked for signs of screwworm infestation. If you run working dogs, you need to be checking them daily and treating any flesh wounds immediately with field expedient methods to prevent infection before you can get to the veterinarian.

Dogs and Cats most at risk include:

• Stray and feral dogs with untreated injuries
• Recently rescued animals with open wounds
• Animals recovering from surgery
• Dogs suffering from chronic skin conditions or infections
• Puppies and debilitated animals with poor overall health

Signs that should raise concern include:

• A wound that suddenly becomes larger or more severe
• Foul odor from a wound
• Drainage or bleeding that appears excessive
• Visible larvae within a wound
• Restlessness, discomfort, or persistent licking at an injury site

The photo below is from a feral dog case in Jamaica. You can see just how bad this can get if left untreated. These larvae will literally eat an animal alive until they’re fat enough to fall off and burrow into the ground.

We’re not here to spread fear, we’re here to inform our pet rescue partners who we’ve worked with for years.

Call your local veterinarian for more advice. Report any suspected signs of screwworm to Texas Animal Health Commission immediately.

Backcountry Drones continues to monitor developments and provide updates to the animal welfare, agricultural, and outdoor communities across Texas.

06/05/2026

TEXAS SCREWWORM UPDATE

Today marked a significant development in Texas agriculture and wildlife management.

Current Status

• 1 confirmed New World Screwworm case in Texas
• Location: Zavala County (La Pryor area)
• Infested zone and quarantine restrictions are in effect
• Warm-blooded animals moving out of the affected area require authorization and inspection
• Sterile fly suppression operations are underway
• State and federal response teams remain engaged

What We’re Watching

• Additional confirmed livestock cases
• Wildlife detections
• Expansion of quarantine boundaries
• Additional guidance from TAHC, USDA APHIS, TPWD, and Texas A&M AgriLife
• Potential deployment of additional suppression measures requested by Commissioner Sid Miller

Key Takeaway

This is not solely a cattle issue.

New World Screwworm can affect:

• Livestock
• Wildlife
• Pets
• Exotic game animals
• Feral hogs

For ranchers, landowners, hunters, and wildlife managers, the priorities remain:

• Awareness
• Early detection
• Prompt reporting
• Responsible animal movement

At this time, there are no publicly reported additional confirmed Texas cases beyond the Zavala County calf.

Backcountry Drones will continue monitoring updates from Texas Animal Health Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas A&M Agrilife , TSCRA, Texas Wildlife Association, and other trusted sources.

06/04/2026

This is why New World Screwworm is such a serious concern.

New World Screwworm flies lay eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals. After hatching, the larvae feed on living tissue, causing wounds to grow larger over time rather than heal.

Left untreated, infestations can result in severe illness and death.

The recent confirmation of New World Screwworm in Zavala County marks the first confirmed Texas case as state and federal officials work to contain the pest and prevent further spread.

Ranchers, landowners, hunters, and wildlife managers should remain vigilant and report suspicious infestations to the appropriate authorities.

Early detection and rapid response remain the most effective tools for limiting the impact of New World Screwworm.

📸: centerfordiseasecontroll

06/04/2026

🚨 TEXAS SCREWWORM UPDATE 🚨

Following the confirmation of New World Screwworm (NWS) in a calf from Zavala County, the Texas Animal Health Commission has issued an Executive Director Order establishing an infested zone and quarantine area around the detection site.

What does this mean?

• A quarantine area is now in effect in the Zavala County detection zone.
• Warm-blooded animals moving out of the infested area must be inspected.
• State and federal animal health officials are actively working to prevent further spread.
• Enhanced surveillance, movement controls, and sterile fly release operations are underway.

At this time, there is still only one confirmed Texas case. However, this development marks a transition from detection to active containment.

For ranchers, livestock producers, hunters, and landowners, now is the time to:

✔ Monitor animals for unusual wounds or signs of distress
✔ Report suspicious infestations immediately
✔ Stay informed through official sources
✔ Review livestock movement plans if operating near the affected area

Backcountry Drones is monitoring updates from TAHC, USDA APHIS, Texas A&M AgriLife, TPWD, and other official sources as we build the Texas Screwworm Tracker.

This map reflects the currently reported quarantine area surrounding the Zavala County detection.

06/04/2026

🚨 TEXAS SCREWWORM UPDATE 🚨

Texas has confirmed its first case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in a calf from Zavala County.

State and federal agencies have responded with:
• Enhanced surveillance
• Animal movement restrictions
• Sterile fly release operations
• Active containment efforts

New World Screwworm can impact livestock, wildlife, pets, and other warm-blooded animals. While only one confirmed Texas case has been reported so far, this is a developing situation that ranchers, landowners, hunters, and wildlife managers should be watching closely.

Backcountry Drones is launching a Texas Screwworm Tracker and will be providing verified updates from official sources as new information becomes available.

Follow along as we track developments across Texas.

texaswildlife screwworm newworldscrewworm texaslandowners backcountrydrones feralhogs wildlifemanagement ranchlife animalhealth agriculture

06/04/2026

🚨 NEW WORLD SCREWWORM CONFIRMED IN TEXAS 🚨

The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed the first New World Screwworm (NWS) case in Texas in a calf from Zavala County.

This is a significant development for Texas ranchers, livestock owners, hunters, wildlife managers, and landowners.

According to state officials, the case was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, triggering an immediate response that includes:

• Establishment of an infested zone
• Animal movement restrictions
• Enhanced surveillance efforts
• Sterile fly release operations

New World Screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can affect livestock, wildlife, pets, birds, and other warm-blooded animals.

At this time, officials have not announced additional confirmed Texas cases.

Backcountry Drones will be monitoring official updates from TAHC, USDA APHIS, Texas A&M AgriLife, TPWD, and other trusted sources to provide verified information relevant to Texas landowners and Ranchers.

As this situation develops, we’ll be building a Texas Screwworm Tracker and sharing updates, resources, and practical information to help keep our agricultural and wildlife communities informed.

Have questions about what this means for your ranch, livestock, wildlife populations, or feral hog management? Drop them below.

Source: Texas Animal Health Commission

05/30/2026

Giselle Search Update

All wooded areas within approximately three miles of the last known location, along with the nearby greenbelt system, were searched using aerial and ground-based thermal imaging equipment. No confirmed sighting of Giselle at this time.

Because Giselle was heavily pregnant when she went missing, extra attention was given to locating cooler, sheltered spots where she may have gone to rest or care for a litter. Search efforts focused on drainage areas, dense tree cover, shaded spaces, and other quiet places where she may have felt safe staying hidden.

Several previously unknown access paths and hidden areas were identified during the search and have been shared with the rescue organization for continued follow-up efforts. Rescue volunteers and trappers are actively checking those locations today.

While Giselle was not visually confirmed during this search, the effort helped narrow down large portions of the search area and provided additional leads to support ongoing recovery efforts.

Fingers crossed we can generate some solid leads for the trappers soon. If you’re in the area and have seen Giselle, send us a message or text 254-312-9815. Please follow and support Jenna Rescue for additional information.