United Way Of The Brazos Valley Update

TPWD Encourages Hunter Harvest Inspection, Reporting of Animals Affected by New World Screwworm  (AUSTIN, TX) — On Oct. 21, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a hunter-harvested female elk in Pecos County. A sample was collected from the elk and was identified and confirmed as NWS at the ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville. This detection highlights the critical role hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife professionals play in helping detect and manage the spread of NWS. “We encourage all hunters and landowners to be vigilant for signs of New World screwworm while they are out in the field this season,” said Alan Cain, Wildlife Division Director. “The partnership between TPWD biologists and local hunters and landowners expedited the identification and confirmation of this new detection.” The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) will modify a previously established infested zone. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and TPWD are conducting additional wildlife surveillance in the area. Hunter Harvest Inspection With the kick-off of hunting season across Texas, all hunters are encouraged to inspect their harvest before field dressing or moving the carcass. While in the field, hunters should look for animals that may be showing signs of infestation which include: Irritated or depressed behavior Loss of appetite Head shaking Smell of decaying flesh Presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds Isolation from other animals or people Once an animal is harvested, hunters should be sure to inspect: Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, genitalia and any mucous membranes. Run your hands along the body of the animal and check the feet and between the toes looking for any wounds that might have a foul smell or maggots. A video on how to inspect your harvest for NWS is available online. Hunters and landowners can find additional information in the TPWD New World Screwworm Guide for Hunters and Landowners. Early detection and reporting is critical. Report all suspected and confirmed cases of NWS immediately. If you suspect a wild animal has an NWS infestation, contact your local TPWD wildlife biologist or call 512-389-4505. Report suspected cases in livestock and companion animals: TAHC — Region Office or the Veterinarian on Call 1-800-550-8242. For more information and resources please visit screwworm.texas.gov. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Mayor Bobby Gutierrez joins the show to discuss medians, council meeting scheduling, and more. Hear the full conversation from today’s Brazos Valley On The Record below:

Two men are being held on a ICE detainer after a petty theft at the West Bryan Walmart. Bryan Police responded to the Walmart in the 600 block of North Harvey Mitchell Parkway just before 6:00pm on Monday for reports of a theft in progress. 18-year-old Luis Alfonso Vasquez-Hernandez and 20-year-old Juan Manuel Garcia-Cortez were detained in the store’s asset protection room and placed under arrest for Theft Under $100. During the arrest, Vasquez-Hernandez attempted to hide a THC vape in the patrol car, so he was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 2, less than one gram) and Tampering With Evidence. Both men remain behind bars on an ICE hold. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.