HB 237

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the total economic loss from a screwworm outbreak in Texas similar to the 1976 New World Screwworm outbreak could be $1.8 billion when adjusted for inflation. A potential reintroduction of the screwworm poses a serious threat, not only to animal health, but the economic foundation of the state's ranching, farming, hunting, and tourism sectors. Unfortunately, individual state efforts to tackle challenges in combatting animal health crises can be fragmented and state agencies may not have access to sufficient resources or information to effectively respond and prevent the spread of animal disease outbreaks into Texas. C.S.H.B. 237 seeks to address this issue by requiring the governor to develop and execute an interstate compact for animal health initiatives for joint action to share state resources and