Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued an urgent warning for livestock producers statewide to inspect pastures for a newly detected invasive pest, the pasture mealybug.
Never before reported in North America, the insect has been confirmed in multiple Texas counties and is already damaging pastureland. The pasture mealybug attacks forage grasses, causing “pasture dieback” marked by yellowing, weakened and dead turf. Its fast reproduction, soil-level feeding and broad host range threaten livestock operations.
No effective labeled insecticide exists, though research trials are underway to identify management options.
The Texas Department of Agriculture is coordinating a rapid response with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to limit further spread.
