As Bandera County commissioners approved a 30-day local disaster declaration Thursday in response to the growing threat of the New World screwworm, residents also urged the court to address another immediate safety concern: flood warning measures at a low-water crossing on Lower Mason Creek Road where a woman recently died after driving into floodwaters.
'I am a parent of two children that are getting ready to start driving,' local resident Stacy Ostrander- Tetzlaff told the court. 'What happened a week ago Monday was tragic. That creek floods here and quickly, and at four or five o'clock in the morning, there are no lights in the area. You cannot see it.'
Ostrander-Tetzlaff asked commissioners to consider installing sensor- activated flood warning lights at the crossing.
'That would help,' she said. 'They withstand the water, they withstand the elements. And even if it did get broken and got washed away in the water, that light would still flash until it could be repaired. But I am definitely, on behalf of all our neighbors as well, begging that something be done so that we don't lose another neighbor again.'
According to residents, the crossing on Lower Mason Creek Road includes a 90-degree blind curve and an approximately 15-foot drop, making it difficult for motorists to see floodwaters until it is too late.
County Judge Richard Evans acknowledged the concerns.
'I believe we're all aware of the tragic event,' Evans said. 'We will pursue something.'
The court then turned its attention to the New World screwworm, approving a 30-day Declaration of Local State of Disaster to help the county respond if the invasive parasite reaches Bandera County.
'We have an imminent threat. We do not have a screwworm case in our county,' Evans said. 'This declaration will allow the state to give us more resources if they're needed.'
The declaration follows confirmation of a New World screwworm case in neighboring Medina County and the subsequent placement of portions of southern Bandera County under a Texas Animal Health Commission animal movement quarantine.
Under the quarantine order, warm-blooded animals located within the designated zone may not be moved outside the area without prior authorization from the Texas Animal Health Commission. Animals must be inspected, treated if necessary and issued a permit or certificate before leaving the quarantine zone.
The restrictions also apply to hides, carcasses and animal parts capable of harboring the screwworm fly. Those materials must also be inspected and treated before being transported outside the quarantine area. Violations of the order may result in administrative penalties or criminal prosecution.
Evans said one resource that could become available through the disaster declaration is the strategic release of sterile male flies to help combat the invasive pest.
County officials also reminded residents that New World screwworm larvae infest open wounds on warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, pets and, in rare cases, humans. One common sign of infestation is a foul odor coming from a wound. Adult screwworm flies can be identified by their distinctive orange eyes, metallic blue-green bodies and three dark stripes on their backs.
The primary eradication method relies on releasing sterile male flies because female screwworm flies typically mate only once during their lifetime, preventing reproduction when they mate with sterile males.
Suspected cases in livestock should be reported within 24 hours by calling the Texas Animal Health Commission emergency hotline at 1-800-550-8242. Suspected infestations in wildlife should be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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