HB 238

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reported the spread of New World Screwworm near the U.S.-Mexico border. In an August 2025 press release, the USDA stated that the screwworm "threatens over $100 billion in United States economic activity tied to the cattle and livestock industry alone, and reporting from Reuters cites additional USDA estimates that a screwworm outbreak could cost the Texas economy ""$1.8 billion in livestock deaths, labor costs and medication expenses."" C.S.H.B. 238 seeks to ensure that Texas is able to detect, prevent, and respond swiftly to any potential screwworm incursion by granting the Texas Animal Health Commission express authority to control pest infestations, including with respect to quarantining, mandated reporting, disposal guidelines, and notice requirements."