Category: Central Texas News

A story that has drawn attention throughout Milam County has reached a major turning point. Dogtown Ranch Rockdale Texas is now empty after all 82 dogs at the property were voluntarily surrendered.

Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary Rescue and Rehab, located outside Rockdale, has also agreed to close. A horse that remained on the property was removed as well.

The surrender followed a weeklong effort involving the Milam County Sheriff’s Office and Brandywine Valley SPCA.

All 82 Dogs Have Been Removed

Brandywine Valley SPCA sent more than a dozen staff members to Texas to help with the large rescue effort.

The team worked with the Milam County Sheriff’s Office to gain access to the property. They assessed the dogs, provided care and helped arrange transportation.

All 82 dogs were eventually surrendered.

As of October 6, no animals remained at Dogtown Ranch.

Some of the dogs have already been transported to Brandywine Valley SPCA locations in Pennsylvania. Others are being moved to partner shelters and rescue organizations.

The goal is to provide medical care and eventually find homes for the dogs.

Dogtown Ranch Owner Charged

The Milam County Sheriff’s Office also announced another major development in the case.

Dogtown Ranch owner and operator Angela Sera was arrested October 6. She faces one charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals, a Class A misdemeanor.

The charge involves a senior mixed-breed dog named Baby Reina.

According to authorities, new veterinary findings were obtained after Baby Reina was surrendered.

The Milam County Sheriff’s Office said the veterinary report documented several health problems. These included dehydration, parasites and malnutrition.

Earlier inspections of Dogtown Ranch had not resulted in criminal charges.

The new veterinary findings involving Baby Reina led authorities to pursue the current charge.

The case will now proceed through the court system.

It is important to remember that a criminal charge is an allegation. Sera is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Baby Reina Is Receiving Care

Brandywine Valley SPCA reported that Baby Reina was in serious condition when its team encountered her.

She was taken to an emergency veterinarian for treatment.

There is some encouraging news.

Baby Reina has since been released from the hospital and remains in the care of Brandywine Valley SPCA.

A Major Rescue Effort

Moving and caring for 82 dogs is a significant undertaking.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA team has been providing medical evaluations, transportation, temporary shelter and other care for the animals.

The organization says some of the dogs will eventually become available for adoption.

For the people in and around Rockdale who have followed the Dogtown Ranch story, the removal of the final animals marks an important development.

Whatever happens next in the court case, the immediate situation for the animals has changed.

The ranch is empty.

The dogs are receiving care.

And the process of finding them new homes has begun.

A Milam County Story We’ll Continue to Follow

Dogtown Ranch has received considerable attention both inside and outside Milam County.

The closure of the facility and surrender of all 82 dogs represents a major change in a story that has concerned many people in our community.

The criminal case is now in the hands of the court system. We will leave the determination of guilt or innocence where it belongs — with that process.

For now, the good news is that the animals have been removed and are receiving care.

Driscoll Home Services shares Central Texas News that may be important to our customers, neighbors and communities throughout Milam County and the surrounding area.

A Cameron nuclear waste demonstration is moving forward after receiving a Texas drilling permit.

That headline may sound alarming at first. But there is an important fact Milam County residents should know.

No radioactive material will be used in the Cameron demonstration.

The project will test technology that could eventually be used to dispose of nuclear waste deep underground. For now, the Cameron site is being used to test how the system works.

What Happened?

On October 1, Deep Isolation announced that the Texas Railroad Commission had issued a drilling permit for its project near Cameron.

The permit allows the project to move beyond engineering and design. Site preparation, construction, drilling, and field testing can now move forward.

The project is located at the Deep Borehole Demonstration Center near Cameron.

Deep Isolation began the multi-year demonstration program there in January 2026.

Is Nuclear Waste Being Brought to Cameron?

This is probably the biggest question local residents will have.

According to Deep Isolation, no radioactive material will be used during this demonstration.

The project will use non-radioactive materials to test equipment and procedures at full scale.

That distinction is important.

The Cameron project is testing technology designed for nuclear waste disposal. It is not currently operating as a nuclear waste disposal site.

What Is Deep Borehole Disposal?

Deep Isolation is developing a method for placing spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste deep underground.

The basic idea involves drilling a deep borehole into suitable rock formations.

Specially designed canisters could eventually be placed deep inside those boreholes. The goal would be to isolate radioactive waste far below the surface.

The Cameron project is intended to find out how well the equipment and procedures work under real-world conditions.

What Will They Test Near Cameron?

The project is designed to test much more than drilling a hole.

Deep Isolation says the demonstration will include drilling a deep borehole in geology similar to what could be used at a future disposal site.

Workers will also test a full-size canister system.

The canister will be placed into the borehole and later retrieved. Surface equipment and handling procedures will also be tested.

The company says the demonstration will eventually test the entire process. That includes moving a canister from the surface into the borehole and retrieving it again.

All of this will be done without radioactive material.

Why Cameron?

The demonstration is being conducted at the Deep Borehole Demonstration Center near Cameron.

The site is associated with Halliburton’s Drilling Technology Facility. That gives the project access to drilling expertise and equipment.

Several companies and organizations are involved in the project.

Deep Isolation is working with the Deep Borehole Demonstration Center, Halliburton, Amentum, NAC International, and Occlusion Nuclear Solutions.

The project combines technology from the drilling industry with equipment designed for handling nuclear materials.

What Does the Drilling Permit Mean?

The drilling permit is an important step for the project.

It does not mean that radioactive nuclear waste has been approved for disposal near Cameron.

Instead, the permit allows the demonstration project to move forward with drilling and related field work.

Deep Isolation says the testing will provide engineering information and practical experience.

That information could later be used as the company works toward possible commercial projects.

Those future projects would involve their own regulatory requirements.

Why Test the Technology at Full Scale?

Something can work well on paper or in a laboratory and still face challenges in the real world.

That is why full-scale demonstrations can be important.

Workers need to know whether equipment can safely handle a full-size canister. They also need to know whether it can be placed deep underground and retrieved.

The project can help engineers identify problems before the technology is considered for actual radioactive waste.

Deep Isolation previously conducted a smaller demonstration in 2019.

During that test, a prototype canister was lowered about 2,000 feet vertically. It was then moved more than 400 feet into a horizontal section of a borehole.

The canister was later retrieved.

The Cameron project takes that testing to a much larger scale.

What Should Milam County Residents Watch?

The project is still developing.

Residents may want to follow the drilling and construction work as it progresses.

It will also be important to watch for any future regulatory proposals involving radioactive material.

For now, however, the Cameron project is a non-radioactive technology demonstration.

That is an important distinction when discussing the project with neighbors or seeing headlines about nuclear waste technology being tested in Milam County.

Another Big Project Comes to Milam County

Milam County has attracted several large and unusual projects in recent years.

We have seen cryptocurrency mining around Rockdale. Large data centers and artificial intelligence projects are also being developed in the county.

Now Cameron is home to a full-scale demonstration of technology intended for nuclear waste disposal.

These projects can bring investment and new technology to our area. They can also bring questions from the people who live nearby.

Those questions deserve clear answers.

At Driscoll Home Services, we try to keep up with developments that could affect the communities we serve. We’ll continue watching this project as it moves forward and share important developments with our Milam County neighbors.

A Milam County wildfire reported Wednesday, September 23, has now been contained. But the incident is another reminder of just how quickly fires can become a concern during the hot, dry conditions we’ve been experiencing in Central Texas.

The wildfire, identified as Milam 8936, was reported in Milam County Wednesday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth issued a special spot weather forecast for the fire at the request of the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Current fire-tracking information reports the fire at approximately 8 acres and 100% contained.

That’s good news for our Milam County neighbors.

Weather Was a Concern for Firefighters

Weather can make an enormous difference when firefighters are trying to contain a wildfire.

Wednesday evening, the National Weather Service reported a small chance of scattered showers and an isolated thunderstorm near the fire. While rain might sound like good news, thunderstorms can also create gusty outflow winds that can make firefighting more difficult.

The forecast called for temperatures to return to the upper 90s Thursday afternoon, with relative humidity dropping to around 35%.

A Timely Reminder During Dry Conditions

We recently reported that Milam County remains under a burn ban, and this fire is a good reminder of why we need to be particularly careful right now.

It doesn’t take a huge wildfire to pose a danger. When grass, brush and other vegetation are dry, a small spark can start a fire that spreads rapidly under the right conditions.

Texas A&M Forest Service has warned that drought and extreme heat have left fuels critically dry across portions of Central Texas.

Activities around our homes and farms can sometimes provide an accidental ignition source. Burning debris is an obvious concern, but vehicles, trailers, mowers and other equipment can also create sparks or enough heat to ignite dry vegetation.

Wildfire Prevention

Milam County Wildfire Is Contained

Fortunately, the latest information indicates that the Milam 8936 fire is now 100% contained.

Containment does not necessarily mean every part of a wildfire has stopped burning. It means firefighters have established a control line around the fire that is expected to prevent it from spreading beyond that perimeter.

Conditions can change, so residents should continue to rely on official sources for current wildfire and emergency information.

Let’s Continue to Be Careful

Those of us who live in rural Central Texas know that dry grass and brush are simply part of life here. But during periods of elevated wildfire danger, a little extra caution can make a big difference.

Avoid outdoor burning when restrictions are in place, be careful when operating equipment around dry vegetation, and make sure trailer chains aren’t dragging on the road where they can create sparks.

And if you see smoke or a fire that appears to be out of control, don’t assume someone else has already reported it.

At Driscoll Home Services, we’ll continue watching news that affects Milam County and the surrounding Central Texas communities and share important information with our customers and neighbors.

Milam County data centers are becoming a much bigger part of the local landscape. It was once mostly a story about cryptocurrency mining around Rockdale. But it is quickly becoming a much larger story. Involving artificial intelligence, enormous computing facilities, and major investments. And there are questions about how all of this growth could affect the communities where we live.

For those of us who call Milam County home, these projects are worth paying attention to. They can bring jobs and investment to the area. But facilities of this size also raise questions about electricity, water, roads, and other local resources.

Another Large Data Center Planned for Milam County

One of the projects attracting attention is the planned Freebird data center near Burlington.

According to state filings, the project represents an investment of approximately $470 million and is expected to include about 548,950 square feet of new construction.

That is a substantial development for a rural county like ours.

Large projects can mean construction jobs while a facility is being built as well as permanent positions once it begins operating. They can also increase the local tax base and bring additional businesses and investment into the area.

But Freebird isn’t the only major data center project coming to Milam County.

Artificial Intelligence Is Coming to Milam County

Another enormous project involves OpenAI and SB Energy, which are developing an artificial intelligence data center campus in Milam County.

The planned facility is expected to have approximately 1.2 gigawatts of computing capacity.

To put that in perspective, these aren’t ordinary office buildings filled with computers. Modern artificial intelligence requires enormous amounts of computing power. Thousands of specialized computer systems may operate around the clock, which means the facilities supporting them can require tremendous amounts of electricity.

That is one reason rural areas with available land and access to electrical infrastructure have become attractive locations for these projects.

Milam County happens to have both.

Rockdale Has Already Seen the Beginning of This Change

For people around Rockdale, large computing facilities aren’t entirely new.

The former Alcoa property has already become home to large cryptocurrency mining operations, and we previously wrote about the growth of data centers around Rockdale.

What is happening now, however, appears to be another stage of that development.

Instead of primarily talking about cryptocurrency mining, we are now seeing companies investing heavily in the infrastructure needed for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

That could make Milam County increasingly important in a rapidly growing technology industry.

What About Electricity?

Electricity is probably one of the first things many homeowners think about when they hear how much power these facilities can consume.

Texas already has a rapidly growing population and increasing demand for electricity. Adding very large data centers to the grid creates another source of demand.

That doesn’t automatically mean our electric bills will suddenly increase because a data center opens nearby. The Texas electrical system is complicated, and many factors affect electricity prices.

Still, the amount of electricity required by large data centers has become important enough that state officials, utilities, and ERCOT are paying close attention to how these facilities connect to the grid and how future demand will be handled.

For local residents, it is a subject worth watching as these projects move forward.

Water Is Another Concern

Water is particularly important to those of us living in Central Texas.

Some types of data centers use significant amounts of water for cooling, while others use cooling systems designed to greatly reduce water consumption.

That makes it important to look at each project individually rather than assuming every data center operates the same way.

In a rural county where many families depend on wells, groundwater, municipal systems, agriculture, and livestock, questions about water use are reasonable ones to ask.

Residents will want to know where a facility’s water will come from, how much it expects to use, and what cooling technology will be used.

Texas Officials Are Taking a Closer Look

The rapid growth of data centers isn’t just getting attention in Milam County.

Texas officials are beginning to look more closely at the effect these enormous projects could have on the state’s resources and infrastructure.

On September 21, Governor Greg Abbott directed state agencies to temporarily halt certain permits involving new data centers while Texas evaluates issues involving electricity and water demands.

That doesn’t mean data-center development in Texas is stopping. It does show, however, that state leaders recognize the size and speed of this new development and the questions that come with it.

What Could This Mean for Milam County?

There are potential benefits.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment can create construction work, permanent jobs, tax revenue, and opportunities for other local businesses.

There can also be challenges.

Large developments can affect roads, electrical infrastructure, water resources, housing, and the character of rural communities. Those effects may not appear overnight, and some may depend heavily on how individual projects are designed and operated.

For Milam County residents, the important thing is to stay informed as the projects develop.

A Big Change for a Rural Texas County

Milam County has changed many times over the years. Agriculture, Alcoa, energy production, cryptocurrency mining, and now artificial intelligence have all played—or may soon play—a role in our local economy.

The newest wave of data-center development could become one of the largest economic changes our area has seen in years.

Whether you live in Rockdale, Cameron, Thorndale, Milano, Buckholts, Burlington, or somewhere out in the country like we do, these developments are happening close to home.

At Driscoll Home Services, we try to keep up with news that could affect the homes, families, and communities we serve throughout Milam County.

We’ll continue watching the growth of these projects and sharing important developments as they happen.

If you live in Milam County and have been waiting for an opportunity to burn brush, leaves or other debris around your property, you’ll need to wait a little longer.

Milam County remains under a burn ban.

The current burn ban went into effect August 13, 2026, as dry conditions and wildfire concerns increased across Central Texas.

With many of us living in rural areas where burning brush and yard debris is a normal part of taking care of our property, it’s important to know when restrictions are in place.

Why Burn Bans Matter

It doesn’t take a large fire to cause trouble when grass and vegetation are dry.

A small pile of burning brush can throw sparks farther than you might expect. Wind can carry those sparks into dry grass, a neighboring pasture or along a fence line, allowing a fire to spread quickly.

Equipment can also start fires accidentally. Mowers, welding equipment, chains dragging on pavement and other activities that produce heat or sparks can become ignition sources during very dry conditions.

That makes a little extra caution around the farm and yard worthwhile even when you’re not intentionally burning anything.

Texas A&M Forest Service – Current Wildfire Status

What Does the Milam County Burn Ban Mean?

A county burn ban generally restricts outdoor burning in the unincorporated portions of the county.

There can be specific exceptions under Texas law for certain agricultural, public-safety, utility and professionally managed prescribed-burning activities. Because the exact restrictions depend upon the county’s current order, residents shouldn’t assume that a particular type of outdoor fire is allowed.

If you’re uncertain, check with Milam County officials before you burn.

Don’t Let a Little Rain Fool You

One good rain doesn’t necessarily mean a burn ban has ended.

Soil and vegetation can remain dry, and county officials determine when conditions have improved enough to lift the restriction.

That’s why it’s better to check the current status rather than assuming the ban is over because your property received some rain.

A Good Time to Clean Up—Just Don’t Burn It Yet

You don’t necessarily have to stop your fall yard and property cleanup.

You can still gather fallen limbs, clear brush away from buildings and fences, and clean up areas around your home. Just keep anything you would normally burn piled safely until outdoor burning is permitted again.

Clearing dry vegetation from around the house can also help reduce available fuel if a grass or wildfire occurs nearby.

Wildfire Preparedness – Protecting Your Home and Property

Check Before You Burn

Burn-ban conditions can change, so always check the current status before starting an outdoor fire.

The Texas A&M Forest Service maintains statewide burn-ban information, while Milam County officials are the best source for the restrictions that apply locally.

We’ll also continue watching local conditions and share important updates when they affect our neighbors.

At Driscoll Home Services, we live and work here too. Our Central Texas News articles are one way we try to keep our customers and neighbors informed about things happening in Milam County and the surrounding communities.

If you live in the Sharp or Davilla area, you may want to check your water service before turning on the faucet for a drink.

Bell-Milam-Falls Water Supply Corporation issued a boil water notice on September 17, 2026. This affects customers in portions of the Davilla and Sharp area.

The notice was issued because of low chlorine residual in the Davilla pressure plane. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires affected customers to boil their water before using it for human consumption.

What Should You Do During the Boil Water Notice?

According to the official notice, water used for drinking, cooking and making ice should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and boiled for two minutes. Allow the water to cool before using it.

Bottled water or water from another suitable source can also be used instead.

The notice also specifically mentions precautions for activities such as brushing your teeth and washing your hands or face. Children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems can be especially vulnerable to harmful bacteria.

What Areas Are Affected?

The official notice lists customers along:

• FM 487 east of Davilla
• FM 1915 south of Little River
• FM 437 south of Val Verde
• County Roads 405, 407, 408, 409, 410, 410A, 411, 414, 418, 418A, 422 and 423
• Davila east of FM 437

Because Bell-Milam-Falls WSC is identifying this as the Davilla and Sharp Area Boil Water Notice, customers in the surrounding area who are uncertain whether their home is affected should check directly with the water supply corporation.

Don’t Assume the Notice Has Ended

A boil water notice remains important until the water system announces that the water is safe for normal use again.

Bell-Milam-Falls WSC says it will notify customers when boiling is no longer necessary and will issue a notice rescinding the boil water notice.

Until then, affected residents should continue following the boil-water instructions.

Help Your Neighbors Know

In a rural community, not everyone sees an online notice right away.

Bell-Milam-Falls WSC is asking customers to share the information with others who may drink the affected water, including people in homes, apartments, schools, nursing homes and businesses.

If you have an elderly neighbor or someone nearby who may not use the internet regularly, it might be worth giving them a call.

For the latest information and, most importantly, the eventual all-clear, check directly with Bell-Milam-Falls Water Supply Corporation.

Driscoll Home Services shares Central Texas News that may affect our customers, neighbors and communities throughout Milam County and the surrounding area.

Residents across Central Texas are being urged to pay closer attention to the risk of rabies after the Thorndale Police Department issued a warning about an increase in rabies reports in Central Texas. Including Milam, Williamson and Travis counties.

The local warning comes as Texas continues to document rabies activity in wildlife and domestic animals during 2026. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains statewide rabies surveillance data, although its detailed monthly reports currently available online extend only through May.

What animals are most likely to carry rabies in Texas?

For those of us living in rural Central Texas, rabies is something worth taking seriously. Wildlife, livestock, pets and people often live much closer together here than they do in more urban areas.

Rabies can infect any mammal, but in Texas it is most frequently found in wild animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons and foxes. Cases can also occur in cats, dogs, cattle, horses and goats. The virus is primarily spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite.

That makes rabies especially important for rural families who have dogs and cats outdoors, livestock, chickens or barns and outbuildings that may attract wildlife.

Don’t assume an animal has to look vicious

One of the more important things to know about rabies is that an infected animal doesn’t always behave the way we might expect.

Texas DSHS advises watching for unusual behavior. A wild animal that suddenly seems unusually friendly or tame can be concerning, just as an animal displaying aggression can be. Other warning signs can include difficulty walking, eating or drinking, excessive excitement or unusual behavior. Seeing normally nocturnal wildlife such as skunks or foxes behaving abnormally during the daytime can also be a warning sign.

Protect your dogs and cats

The safest rule is simple: don’t handle wildlife, even if the animal appears harmless.

Keeping pets vaccinated is one of the most important protections against rabies.

Texas requires dogs and cats to receive a rabies vaccination by four months of age, administered by a licensed veterinarian. Pet owners should also make sure boosters remain current.

Outdoor pets can encounter wildlife without their owners ever seeing it happen. A skunk, bat or other infected animal can expose a pet, which can then create a potential risk for the family.

Keeping pets from roaming and avoiding contact with unfamiliar or wild animals further reduces that risk.

Be especially careful around bats

Bats deserve special attention because their bites can be extremely small and may not always be obvious.

Texas DSHS recommends that people not touch sick, injured or dead bats. A possible exposure should be evaluated even when someone isn’t certain that a bite occurred—for example, when a person wakes up with a bat in the room or when a bat is found near an unattended young child.

If a bat may have had contact with a person or pet, don’t simply release it. Contact local animal control or law enforcement so officials can determine whether the animal should be tested.

What should you do after an animal bite?

If you are bitten by an animal that could potentially carry rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention as soon as possible. The animal should also be reported to the appropriate local authorities.

Rabies is preventable when appropriate treatment is given after an exposure. Once symptoms of rabies develop, however, the disease is fatal. That is why possible exposures shouldn’t be ignored or treated as something to simply watch for a few days.

What do the numbers tell us about Milam County?

There is an important distinction between the current local warning and the state’s published statistics.

The Thorndale Police Department’s September warning specifically includes Milam, Williamson and Travis counties. However, Texas DSHS notes that rabies testing varies considerably from county to county. A county showing no positive laboratory results in state surveillance data does not necessarily mean rabies is absent there; it can simply mean no positive samples were reported from the animals that were collected and tested.

For that reason, residents shouldn’t interpret an older or low county case count as meaning there is no local risk.

A little extra caution goes a long way

Most people will never encounter a rabid animal, and there is no reason to be afraid of every skunk, bat or other wild animal we see.

But the recent local warning is a good reminder to use some common sense.

Keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations current. Don’t allow pets to interact with wildlife. Teach children not to pick up or pet wild animals. And if an animal is behaving strangely, give it plenty of room and contact the appropriate authorities rather than trying to handle it yourself.

In rural Central Texas, wildlife is simply part of where we live. Respecting that wildlife—and knowing when to keep our distance—is one of the best ways we can protect our families and our animals.

Driscoll Home Services.

If you live in rural Central Texas, chances are pretty good that you either own animals or have neighbors who do.

Cattle, horses, dogs, cats and other animals are part of everyday life for many of us. That’s why the return of New World screwworm to Texas is something worth paying attention to.

Texas has now confirmed New World screwworm cases in several parts of the state. A recent case involving a working ranch horse in Presidio County is another reminder that animal owners need to know what to watch for.

At this time, Milam County is not listed among the Texas counties with New World screwworm infested zones. There is no reason to panic, but there is a good reason to be informed.

Texas Animal Health Commission.

What Is New World Screwworm?

Despite its name, New World screwworm isn’t actually a worm.

It is a type of fly. The problem begins when the female fly lays eggs in or near an open wound or other opening on a warm-blooded animal.

When those eggs hatch, the larvae feed on living tissue.

That’s what makes New World screwworm different from many of the maggots we normally associate with dead or decaying material. Screwworm larvae can actually burrow into healthy, living tissue and make a relatively small wound much larger and much more serious.

Without treatment, an infestation can cause severe injury and can even kill an animal.

Texas DSHS – New World Screwworm Information.

What Animals Can Get Screwworm?

Cattle are a major concern, but New World screwworm isn’t limited to cattle.

It can affect horses, goats, sheep, pigs and other livestock. Dogs and cats can also become infested.

Wildlife can be affected as well.

That makes this an issue for more than ranchers. Someone with a couple of cows, a horse in the pasture or simply dogs and cats around the house should know what an infestation can look like.

Pay Particular Attention to Wounds

One of the most important things animal owners can do is pay attention to wounds.

A cut from a fence, an injury, a surgical incision or another break in the skin can provide a place for a screwworm fly to lay its eggs.

Check animals regularly, especially if you know they have a wound.

If something that looked like a small injury suddenly becomes larger or doesn’t appear to be healing normally, take a closer look and contact your veterinarian.

What Should You Look For?

An animal with a New World screwworm infestation may appear irritated or uncomfortable.

There may be an open wound or sore that is getting worse rather than better. The wound may have an unpleasant odor, and larvae may be visible in or around it.

Those signs don’t automatically mean an animal has New World screwworm. There are other types of flies and larvae that can be found around wounds.

The important thing is not to try to diagnose it yourself.

If you see larvae in a wound or suspect a screwworm infestation, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Dogs and Cats Need Watching Too

Those of us in the country tend to think about cattle and horses first when we hear about an agricultural pest.

But don’t forget the dogs and cats.

Check pets when they come inside, especially if they’ve been injured or have an open sore. Outdoor dogs and cats deserve particular attention because they naturally spend more time around flies.

If your pet has a wound, keeping it clean and following your veterinarian’s instructions becomes even more important while New World screwworm is present in Texas.

Good Fly Control Can Help

Keeping flies under control around animals is always a good idea.

Keep animal areas as clean as reasonably possible and avoid allowing manure, wet bedding or other material that attracts flies to accumulate.

Animal owners should also practice good wound care and talk with their veterinarian about appropriate fly-control and animal-health measures for their particular animals.

There isn’t one solution that is right for every animal or every property, so veterinary guidance is especially important.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Screwworm?

Early detection is important.

If you suspect New World screwworm in livestock or a pet, contact your veterinarian and the Texas Animal Health Commission as soon as possible.

Don’t simply treat a suspicious wound and forget about it.

Texas animal-health officials are tracking cases because knowing where infestations are occurring is an important part of controlling the spread.

Suspected cases involving wildlife should be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

What Is Texas Doing About It?

New World screwworm isn’t new to Texas.

It was once a serious livestock problem throughout the southern United States before being eradicated from the United States in the 1960s.

One of the most interesting tools being used again today is the sterile insect technique.

Large numbers of sterile male screwworm flies are released into affected areas. Female screwworm flies mate only once. When they mate with a sterile male, the eggs they produce don’t hatch.

Over time, that can dramatically reduce the screwworm population.

Federal and state officials are currently using sterile fly releases along with surveillance, animal inspections and other measures to fight the outbreak.

What Does This Mean for Milam County?

For now, this is a be aware, not be afraid situation for those of us in Milam County.

Milam County is not currently listed as part of the state’s New World screwworm infested zone.

But Texas already has confirmed cases, and the situation can change.

If you own cattle, horses, dogs, cats or other animals, get into the habit of looking them over regularly. Pay attention to wounds. Keep animal areas reasonably clean and take unusual wounds or visible larvae seriously.

Most importantly, don’t wait several days hoping that a suspicious wound will clear up on its own.

Country Living Means Keeping an Eye on Things

Living in Central Texas comes with a lot of benefits, but it also means keeping an eye on our property and the animals that depend on us.

Sometimes it’s a loose fence board. Sometimes it’s a leaking pipe. And sometimes it’s noticing that an animal has a small injury that needs attention before it becomes something much bigger.

New World screwworm is another one of those things we need to know about without becoming unnecessarily alarmed.

At Driscoll Home Services, we’re part of the same rural Central Texas community. We’ll continue watching developments that could affect our homes, properties, families and animals and pass along information when there’s something our neighbors need to know.