Texans who raise cattle or other livestock can now take a free online course that opens a path to certifying animals for movement out of New World screwworm infested zones, as the state tries to widen the pool of certified inspectors.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the course Friday. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension built it with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the governor's office called it the first program of its kind.
How certification works
The course runs on the AgriLife Learn platform in modules, with narrated lessons, demonstration videos and knowledge checks. Topics include how the fly develops and spreads, how to watch for and report cases, inspection and treatment by species, which agencies handle what, and the permits required before animals can be moved.
People who meet the animal health commission's eligibility standards and pass the final exam can apply to become a TAHC Certified NWS Inspector. Certified inspectors may issue the official treatment and movement certificates needed to move livestock legally out of infested zones.
The first phase opens certification to licensed veterinarians not already in the state's authorized personnel program, veterinary technicians, AgriLife Extension agents and disaster assessment and recovery agents, Texas Department of Agriculture inspectors, state health department meat safety inspectors, Texas Racing Commission inspectors, animal control officers and designated staff at temporary livestock aggregation points. Other groups may be added later.
Anyone in Texas can take the course for education, and the state is encouraging livestock owners and managers to enroll.
"Now more people, including private industry, will be able to inspect and certify animals for movement," Abbott said in the announcement. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said inspectors who know what to look for are key to stopping the spread.
