Ep. 116 - New World Screwworm in Texas, The Future of Veterinary Care, and Rural Vet Shortages
Podcast: Texas TalksPublished On: Thu Jun 18 2026
Description: What happens when a livestock threat once thought eradicated begins moving north toward Texas? On this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Dr. Lori Teller, licensed veterinarian and Executive Director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), to discuss the growing concern surrounding New World screwworm, the state of veterinary medicine in Texas, rural veterinarian shortages, telemedicine, and the future of animal health. Dr. Teller explains how New World screwworm infestations threaten livestock, wildlife, pets, and even humans, and why state and federal agencies are working urgently to prevent its spread throughout Texas and the United States. The conversation covers: • What New World screwworm is and how it spreads • Why the threat has returned after decades of containment • Sterile fly programs and eradication efforts • The potential impact on Texas agriculture and food production • How pet owners should respond to suspicious wounds • State and federal coordination to contain outbreaks • Rural veterinarian shortages across Texas • Student debt and workforce challenges in veterinary medicine • The Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program • Veterinary telemedicine and its limitations • Artificial intelligence in veterinary practice • Priorities for the upcoming Texas legislative session Dr. Teller also discusses how veterinary medicine extends far beyond dogs and cats, encompassing livestock, wildlife, public health, food safety, and emergency response efforts that are critical to Texas' economy and agricultural sector. The discussion explores the challenges of attracting veterinarians to rural communities, where shortages can impact ranchers, farmers, and animal owners across large geographic regions. The episode concludes with a look at how technology, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence are beginning to transform veterinary care while reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong veterinary networks throughout Texas. 00:00 — Intro + Meet Dr. Lori Teller 01:44 — Veterinary specialties and career paths 03:44 — What is New World screwworm? 06:50 — Why screw worm has returned 09:52 — Sterile fly facilities and containment efforts 11:30 — Worst-case scenarios for Texas agriculture 14:00 — State and federal response efforts 16:13 — Current screwworm cases in Texas 17:52 — What pet owners should do 20:15 — Rural veterinarian shortages 24:18 — The Rural Veterinarian Incentive Program 29:16 — Veterinary telemedicine explained 37:58 — Artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine 41:11 — Priorities for the next legislative session 41:48 — Closing thoughts Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks Follow us on social mediaX: @Texas_DispatchInstagram: thetexasdispatchLinkedIn: The Texas DispatchTikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas DispatchYour source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism.https://thetexasdispatch.com
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