Reeves Co. Extension & 4-H

06/16/2026

Interested in hearing about New World Screwworm (NWS) updates, prevention, and treatments? Come check out the Alpine New World Screwworm community forum June 29th, 2026. Come listen, discuss, and/or ask questions about any NWS related topic.

Don't panic, we have dealt with this before and have successfully eradicated it from the United States in the 1970's. NWS hosts can be any warm blooded animal including livestock, wildlife, pets, and humans with open wounds as small as a tick bite.

Do not mistake it with other blowfly species that only feed on dead tissue. The NWS feeds on live tissue and can be treated.

Most importantly, INSPECT your animals, COLLECT and REPORT suspicious larvae on open wounds to the appropriate staff and agencies(Texas Animal Health Commission TAHC for Livestock and Texas Parks and Wildlife TPWD for Wildlife), and PROTECT open wounds and infections immediately and periodically to avoid future infestation.

Learn more about it during the forum and ask away!

Contact information for NWS reporting:
TAHC 1-800-550-8242
TPWD 512-389-4505 or your local biologist

06/16/2026

While New World Screwworm does pose a risk to youth livestock projects, education and consistent care can help you keep your projects safe. Here's a few tips for caring for your cattle, sheep, or goat projects. Stay aware with the following links:

🍀Find fact sheets regarding validation at...
https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/goats/
https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/sheep/
https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/beef-cattle/

🍀Find general New World Screwworm education and updates at...
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwworm

06/15/2026

A free New World screwworm inspector training is now available to all Texans through AgriLife Learn.

The course covers New World screwworm biology, inspection protocols, reporting and more, and is open to anyone who wants to better understand how to protect their animals. Those who qualify may apply to become a certified New World screwworm inspector through the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Learn about the course at tx.ag/NWSTraining.

06/09/2026

🔎When it comes to New World screwworm (NWS) prevention, vigilance is key. The chances of finding a NWS fly are low, so producers and animal owners are encouraged to remain watchful and report suspicious maggots on their animals.

USDA and TAHC continue to work together to conduct fly surveillance by utilizing NWS fly traps. To learn more about the role livestock producers play in animal surveillance, visit https://bit.ly/FAQ-NWSSurveillance

06/06/2026

🍀🍀Great job Carlos for an outstanding performance at the Texas 4-H Roundup Statewide Invitational Livestock Judging Contest!

He earned 5th Place Individual in Swine, 9th Place Individual in Sheep & Goat, and 8th Place Overall Individual in Livestock Judging 🍀🍀

06/04/2026

05/22/2026

Construction is moving quickly. For the past few days, crews have been hanging red iron for the 4-H building.

04/22/2026

04/16/2026

Also- if you won a sponsored award, you have the thank you cards and addresses provided by committee to use. Thanks!