Three months after a New World screwworm was found in western Gillespie County, the area has been released from the infestation zone.

The Texas Animal Health Commission lifted movement restrictions Aug. 31 for designated areas of Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle and Webb counties, marking the first release of eligible New World screwworm infestation zones since the pest returned to Texas this summer.

The change means animals leaving the affected area no longer require regulatory inspections or New World Screwworm Movement/Treatment Certificates.