State and county officials are reminding ranchers to take steps to protect their livestock from screwworm. There are four active screwworm cases in Texas, with cases reported in Val Verde, Terrell, and Brewster counties. The cases involve infected sheep.

Officials are urging ranchers to report any suspected cases. Ranchers can still transport their livestock by passing through infested-zone checkpoints. The USDA is working to combat the issue by releasing sterile flies.

A total of 70 million sterile flies will be released in Texas, and 26 million will be released along the southern border. Further details on the screwworm cases and prevention measures are available from the Texas Animal Health Commission. Officials stress the importance of reporting suspected cases to help prevent the spread of the disease.