Animal Health Market: USDA Releases Texas Screwworm Zone

USDA-APHIS Releases New World Screwworm Infested Zone 10 in Texas, Easing Livestock Movement Rules

WASHINGTON, United States September 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has concurred with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) in releasing New World Screwworm (NWS) Infested Zone 10 in Texas, following confirmation by State and Federal subject matter experts that the area met all criteria outlined in APHIS' New World Screwworm Response Playbook. The development carries direct implications for the animal health market, which is projected to reach USD 80.12 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%.

The release of Infested Zone 10 removes New World Screwworm-related movement requirements for livestock and pets within the designated area, providing meaningful operational relief to producers and the broader livestock supply chain. The action represents a measurable step forward in the ongoing federal and state response to the screwworm outbreak that first emerged in the United States in June 2026. 

Despite the zone release, all interstate movement requirements and international export requirements remain fully in effect. Several additional infested zones in Texas continue to be maintained, and APHIS has stated it will work closely with TAHC to evaluate conditions for future zone releases as surveillance data and field assessments warrant. 

APHIS and TAHC have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting continuity of business for producers, applying science-based surveillance, early detection, and rapid response measures to ensure that areas are released as soon as established criteria have been met. The agency directed all Texas animal owners to consult the TAHC website for the latest information on infested zone locations, movement requirements, and zone-specific protocols. 

Key Highlights:

• USDA-APHIS concurred with TAHC in releasing New World Screwworm Infested Zone 10 in Texas after State and Federal experts confirmed the area met all criteria in the APHIS NWS Response Playbook

• The zone release removes NWS-related movement requirements for livestock and pets within the affected area, easing operational constraints for producers

• All interstate movement requirements and international export requirements remain in force, maintaining trade safeguards

• Multiple infested zones in Texas remain active; APHIS and TAHC continue to evaluate conditions for additional future zone releases based on science-based surveillance data

Analyst Insight:

According to analysts at Next Move Strategy Consulting, the progressive release of New World Screwworm infested zones in Texas signals a measured but positive trajectory in the U.S. government's containment response, which is critical for restoring full operational normalcy across the livestock and companion animal segments of the animal health market. NMSC analysts note that the phased zone-release framework adopted by APHIS and TAHC reflects a data-driven regulatory model that, if sustained, could accelerate the restoration of cross-border livestock trade and reduce the economic burden on producers both of which are key demand drivers for veterinary pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and biosecurity products within the broader animal health industry.

Industry Outlook:

The systematic release of New World Screwworm infested zones in Texas marks a pivotal phase in the U.S. response to the 2026 screwworm outbreak, with direct consequences for livestock producers, veterinary service providers, and animal health product manufacturers. As federal and state agencies continue to apply science-based criteria for zone releases, the gradual normalization of livestock movement is expected to support demand recovery across the animal health supply chain. With the global animal health market on a trajectory toward USD 80.12 billion by 2030, driven by rising livestock populations, expanding companion animal care, and increasing government investment in disease surveillance and response infrastructure, the resolution of outbreak-related disruptions will remain a key factor shaping near-term market performance.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture — Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

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Prepared By: Sanyukta Deb