Gov. Abbott activates Texas emergency operations center as state ramps up screwworm response

Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate the State Emergency Operations Center at Level II, or Escalated Response, as Texas intensifies efforts to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm.

The move comes days after Abbott expanded a state disaster declaration related to the threat posed by the parasitic pest, which can infest livestock, wildlife and other animals.

"I have activated the full use of all state resources to respond to the New World Screwworm threat," Abbott said in a statement.