AMCLO Home and Hardware

06/03/2026

Starr County Ranchers, there has been a significant development today (June 3, 2026) that explains why you are seeing so many reports on social media.

What Has Been Confirmed

A suspected case of New World Screwworm has been identified in South Texas. The report involves two calves on a ranch near La Pryor, Texas. Samples have been collected and sent to the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, for definitive testing.

What Has NOT Been Confirmed

As of this moment:

No confirmed New World Screwworm case has been announced in Texas.

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) continues to state that there are no confirmed detections in Texas livestock.

USDA has not yet confirmed that the larvae found in the South Texas calves are New World Screwworm. The samples remain under laboratory analysis.

Who Confirmed the Suspicion?

The information came directly from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which publicly acknowledged that a suspect sample is being tested. USDA personnel have already been deployed to the area while awaiting laboratory confirmation.

Why the Social Media Confusion?

There are currently three different categories of reports being mixed together:

1. Confirmed cases in Mexico (true and officially documented).
* Coahuila cases as close as 25–31 miles from Texas.
2. The suspected South Texas case announced today.
* Under investigation.
* Not yet confirmed.
3. Rumors claiming Texas already has confirmed cases.
* Neither USDA nor TAHC has confirmed any Texas case at this time.

What I Am Watching For

The key announcement to watch for is from:

* USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
* Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC)
* Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)

If the Iowa laboratory confirms the larvae are New World Screwworm, that would become the first confirmed U.S. case associated with the current outbreak and would likely trigger immediate movement controls, enhanced surveillance, and sterile fly releases in the affected area.

What This Means for Starr County Ranchers

For ranchers such as yourself, I would now move Starr County from “prepare and monitor” to “high alert and inspect every wound.”

The reason is not because Texas has a confirmed case, but because:

* Confirmed cases are now extremely close to Texas.
* A suspected Texas case is under federal investigation.
* USDA is treating the report seriously enough to deploy personnel before confirmation.

If you would like, I can also prepare a Starr County Rancher Action Bulletin (Level 1 Response Plan) specifically for AMCLO Beefmasters and South Texas cattle operations for the next 30 days while the Texas case investigation is pending.

05/31/2026

For Starr County, Texas, the situation as of May 31, 2026 is:

Current Status

No confirmed New World Screwworm (NWS) cases have been detected in Starr County.
No confirmed NWS cases have been detected anywhere in Texas.

However:

The threat level for Starr County remains high because the parasite has now been detected in Coahuila, Mexico, very near the Texas border. The most recent USDA report places an infected sheep approximately 31 miles from the U.S. border, the closest confirmed case of this outbreak.

Why Starr County Is a Concern Area

Starr County is one of the Texas counties considered at greatest risk because of:

* Extensive cattle ranching.
* Large deer populations.
* Frequent cross-border movement of people, vehicles, wildlife, and livestock.
* Warm climate favorable to screwworm flies.

What Is Being Done

Federal and state agencies are actively responding:

* USDA is releasing millions of sterile screwworm flies weekly along the border region.
* Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Animal Health Commission have expanded trapping and surveillance in South Texas.
* CBP is conducting public awareness campaigns at ports of entry from Brownsville to Del Rio.
* USDA recently opened a new livestock insect research laboratory in Texas dedicated in part to screwworm prevention and control.

What Ranchers in Starr County Should Do

For cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer operations, and hunting ranches:

1. Inspect animals regularly for wounds.
2. Treat cuts, branding marks, castration sites, and ear tag wounds promptly.
3. Watch for:
* Foul-smelling wounds
* Larvae (maggots) in wounds
* Animals isolating themselves
* Head shaking or irritation
4. Report suspicious cases immediately to a veterinarian or the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Risk Assessment for Starr County

Current Risk Level: Elevated but not emergency.

* Presence in Starr County: None confirmed.

* Presence in Texas: None confirmed.

* Presence near Texas border: Yes, very close.

* Need for ranch vigilance: High.

* Need for public alarm: Not at this time.

As a rancher in Starr County, I would characterize the current status as “prepare and monitor” rather than “panic.” The border defense and sterile fly program appear to be slowing the northward movement, but the latest Coahuila detection shows the threat remains very real and close to South Texas.

03/18/2026

Invitación Educativa Gratuita para Ganaderos de Todos los Tamaños

Se invita a todos los ganaderos, sin importar el tamaño de su hato, a asistir a este evento educativo gratuito y aprovechar una valiosa oportunidad para aprender sobre la nutrición adecuada del ganado durante y después de condiciones de sequía, así como sobre la creciente amenaza del gusano barrenador del Nuevo Mundo y la garrapata de la fiebre.

Este programa está diseñado para ayudar a los productores a comprender que la alimentación durante la sequía no es un lujo ni un premio para el ganado, sino una necesidad esencial para proteger la salud del hato, mantener la condición corporal, sostener la productividad y apoyar la recuperación cuando las condiciones de forraje son limitadas.

Este es el momento de aprender, prepararse y tomar acciones prácticas antes de que los problemas se agraven. No espere hasta que sea demasiado tarde. Acompáñenos para escuchar información valiosa de expertos en el campo, hacer preguntas y estar mejor preparado para proteger su ganado y su operación.

03/18/2026

Free Educational Invitation for Cattlemen of All Herd Sizes

All cattlemen are welcome, regardless of herd size, to attend this free educational roundup and take advantage of an important opportunity to learn more about proper cattle nutrition during and after drought conditions, as well as the growing threat of the New World screwworm and fever ticks.

This program is designed to help producers better understand that feeding during drought is not a luxury or a treat for cattle. It is an essential part of protecting herd health, maintaining body condition, supporting productivity, and helping cattle recover when forage conditions are poor.

Now is the time to learn, prepare, and take practical steps before problems become more serious. Do not wait until it is too late. Join us to hear valuable information from industry and field experts, ask questions, and be better prepared to protect your cattle and your operation.

01/25/2026

❄️ Winter Storm Ready? AMCLO Home & Hardware Has You Covered! ❄️

Cold weather is here, and AMCLO Home & Hardware in Roma is fully stocked with everything you need to prepare, protect, and repair before, during, and after a winter storm.

From plumbing fittings, PVC parts, cement, valves, and repair supplies — to everyday hardware essentials — we’ve got it all under one roof to help keep your home and business running safely.

Don’t wait until it’s too late — stop by today!

⏰ Store Hours:
Weekdays: Open until 8:00 PM
Weekends: Open until 7:00 PM
📍 Open every day of the year

Thank you for supporting your local hardware store. We’re here when you need us — rain, shine, or freeze!

—
AMCLO Home & Hardware
📍 Roma, Texas

01/25/2026

🔥 Stay Warm with AMCLO Home & Hardware! 🔥

Cold days call for cozy homes — and we’ve got you covered! At AMCLO Home & Hardware, we carry a great variety of heaters to help protect and care for your family’s comfort this season. From compact utility heaters to tower quartz space heaters, you’ll find dependable options for every room and every need.

🛒 Shop local. Stay warm. Take care of your family with us.

⏰ Store Hours:
• Weekdays: Open until 8:00 PM
• Weekends: Open until 7:00 PM
• Yes — we’re here every day of the year!

Stop by today and let our team help you find the right heater for your home.

🏠 AMCLO Home & Hardware — Your neighborhood store for comfort, care, and quality.

08/22/2025

⚠️ Notice:
❌The upcoming Hunter Education Course has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

08/11/2025

🚨Reminder🚨

Don’t miss your shot—Hunter Ed registration is open🎯
📋Sign up now and hunt safely.✅
📍AMCLO Home & Hardware
🗓️August 23,2025 ⏰9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
👨‍🏫Edward J. Chapa
‼️Limited Spaces‼️
Register Here: https://tpwd.elementlms.com/course/hunter-education-classroom-course-11235/s
#2025

08/11/2025

Before you head into the field this season, make sure you’re legal and ready. 🦌🎯
A valid 2025 hunting license is required for all hunters — it’s quick and easy to get!🪪
📍Available for purchase here at Amclo Home & Hardware

08/02/2025

August is the perfect time to tackle those home projects! 🏡
Stock up and save before summer slips away!

Sale Starts August 01st & Ends August 14, 2025.