Atascosa County officials approved a local disaster declaration Monday in response to the potential threat of the New World screwworm.

During the June 22 Commissioners Court meeting, Atascosa County Judge Weldon P. Cude announced the declaration, citing concerns over the possible introduction and spread of the destructive parasitic pest in South Texas.

Inspecting New World screwworm larvae removed from an infested horse Courtesy Photo | Dr. Feliciano Bravo, COPEG Chief of Staff Cheyenne Vyvlecka read the declaration aloud before commissioners unanimously approved the declaration.