Governor Greg Abbott today highlighted Texas institutions that were selected to receive significant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. The USDA announced approximately $105 million for 40 innovative projects nationwide, with multiple awards going to Texas universities and research institutions to strengthen NWS detection, control, and eradication capabilities.
"Texas is no stranger to the New World screwworm threat and we are prepared to push this danger out of our state for good,” said Governor Abbott. “These grants will empower Texans on the front lines to eradicate the screwworm and protect our livestock industry. I thank Secretary Rollins for her swift action on these awards and for her steadfast support as Texas brings this pest to its end.”
Texas institutions receiving awards include projects led by Texas Tech University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, The University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and other Texas A&M entities. The funded work spans sterile insect technique enhancements, novel traps and lures, therapeutics, AI-enabled surveillance, drone monitoring, and other tools to bolster preparedness and response.
Source : texas.gov