Federal officials say screwworm response is working, as new fly facilities near completion

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Texas A&M University System regents spent part of the second day of their meeting focused on a threat to Texas agriculture: New World screwworm.U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joined virtually Thursday as federal, state and A&M System leaders briefed the board on the coordinated response to the destructive livestock pest.

Admiral Michael Schmoyer, director of USDA's New World Screwworm Directorate, told regents the situation is under control."It's really important to realize that New World screwworm pest is just that - it's a pest," Schmoyer said.

"It can be managed. It is not a threat to the food supply."Just 3 active cases, Schmoyer saysSchmoyer said there are 48 total confirmed screwworm cases in the U.S. - 47 of them in Texas.