Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a statewide disaster declaration in order to better equip state agencies to prevent the potential spread of the New World Screwworm fly into Texas and to better protect livestock and wildlife.

Texas lawmakers heard conflicting reports on the state’s readiness to fight the New World Screwworm, which is approaching the southern border.

The federal agency accused Miller of disregarding proven strategies to combat the parasitic pest “in favor of clickbait publicity stunts.”

Mounted patrol officers, known as tick riders, who typically patrol the southern border to protect cattle from fever tick, will also now serve as the first line of defense against screwworm.