Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched a free online course to expand the number of certified New World screwworm (NWS) inspectors across Texas. This course is allowing more Texans to inspect their animals and certify the documentation required to safely move them, which is critical to ensuring cattle and livestock commerce continues uninterrupted.
Developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with USDA-APHIS, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the first-of-its-kind program launched on Saturday, June 13.
“The State of Texas will use every tool to protect our cattle industry and wildlife while we eradicate this pest,” Abbott says. “AgriLife and TAHC moved quickly to launch this training. Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement. Through this program, Texas will protect our ranchers, ensure the security of our food supply and keep business strong.”
Stepping Up to Join the Fight
Dr. Sam Wilkinson, a wildlife veterinarian, has completed the course.
“I took the course because I want to be part of the solution to eradicate New World screwworm from North and Central America,” Wilkinson says. “My clients depend on the ability to move animals for the sustainability of their businesses. The ability to move animals is beneficial for herd health, graze and browse health, conservation, and commerce.”
He encourages others to take the online course.
“The more people that are aware of NWS and are taking steps to limit the spread, treat early and eradicate the pest, the more effective eradication efforts will be and the less impact NWS will have on all of us,” he says. “Go into the course with the goal of becoming a genuine part of the NWS eradication efforts. Spending four hours of my day learning about a fly was not fun, but I believe I can make a difference and hope others will join me.”
Modular Training for Rapid Certification
The course is an online, modular program delivered through the AgriLife Learn platform. It includes narrated modules, demonstration videos and knowledge checks covering NWS biology and life cycle, surveillance and reporting, species-specific inspection and treatment protocols, roles of state and federal agencies, and movement permitting requirements.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says, “Stopping the spread of NWS will not be possible without our inspectors knowing what to look for; that’s why today’s announcement is critical to keep our cattle industry on track. We encourage everyone who is able to help us identify and report suspected cases to help eradicate this pest as fast as possible. Grateful for Gov. Abbott, TAHC, TPWD and AgriLife for being amazing partners in this fight.”
Those meeting TAHC eligibility standards who pass the final exam may apply to become a TAHC certified NWS inspector, authorized to issue official NWS Treatment/Movement Certificates for lawful movement of livestock out of infested zones.
“The NWS certified inspector program is a force multiplier in our robust effort to prevent the spread of the pest,” says Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC executive director and state veterinarian. “With verified individuals educated on what to look for and how to address it if they do see something, and able to certify that animals moving out of an infested zone are not moving NWS to other parts of the state and country, the continuity of business can remain and the fight against screwworm can be stronger than ever.”
Phase one immediately opens eligibility to the following groups, in addition to existing authorized personnel, including thousands of Texas veterinarians:
- Licensed veterinarians (not already in the authorized personnel program)
- Veterinary technicians
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents and disaster assessment and recovery agents
- Texas Department of Agriculture inspectors
- Texas Department of State Health Services meat safety inspectors
- Texas Racing Commission inspectors
- Animal control officers
- Livestock deputies
- Designated personnel from temporary livestock aggregation points
Additional groups may be added in future phases as the program evolves. The course is also available to any Texan for educational purposes. Livestock owners, managers, veterinarians, government personnel and allied industry professionals are encouraged to enroll.
To access this free online course: Register an account, add the course to your cart and check out.
