government
Free online course trains New World screwworm inspectors as Texas threat grows
By Luke Johnson at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - As the New World screwworm threat grows in Texas, a free online course is training potential inspectors and helping animal owners stay ahead of the issue.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, in partnership with the Texas Animal Health Commission and the USDA, developed the New Wor...
Key takeaway “It’s not required to go through the course, but if you want to be considered an inspector, it’s required to take that 50-question test and pass it at 94 percent or better,” Hale said.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The New World screwworm threat has significant implications for Ector County's agricultural industry, where livestock plays a vital role in the local economy. As the threat grows in Texas, the free online course developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the Texas Animal Health Commission, and the USDA, is a crucial step in preparing the community to respond to potential outbreaks. With 5,000 students already enrolled and 1,700 having passed the final exam, the course is helping to build a network of trained inspectors across the state, including potentially in the Odessa area. This is particularly important for local ranchers and animal owners, who need to be able to quickly identify and report suspected cases to prevent the spread of the disease. By having certified inspectors in place, the community can help mitigate the risk of New World screwworm outbreaks and protect the local livestock industry.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - As the New World screwworm threat grows in Texas, a free online course is training potential inspectors and helping animal owners stay ahead of the issue.Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, in partnership with the Texas Animal Health Commission and the USDA, developed the New Wor...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Luke Johnson at CBS7 / KOSA-TV News (firstalert7.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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