Overview
- Detections have been confirmed in at least 20 Texas counties, with some reports listing 22 including Fort Bend and areas around Houston.
- Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and USDA APHIS are coordinating surveillance, response planning and producer outreach.
- There is no labeled chemical control in the U.S., and research trials are underway to evaluate integrated pest management options.
- AgriLife entomologists filed a Pest Incident Worksheet noting significant pasture and hayfield losses in Victoria County.
- Officials urge ranchers to scout unmanaged patches and under cow patties, clean equipment between pastures, and report suspected cases to 1-800-TELL-TDA.