safety
Flesh-eating screwworm outbreak escalates in West Texas as confirmed cases reach 31
By Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 31, prompting Texas authorities to maintain strict emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's ongoing expansion in West Texas.
Why this matters in Barton Creek News
The escalating outbreak of New World screwworm in West Texas has significant implications for livestock owners and rural communities in the region. As the number of confirmed cases reaches 31, the maintenance of emergency quarantine orders by Texas authorities is crucial to preventing further spread of the parasite. While Barton Creek is not currently affected, the outbreak serves as a warning to local farmers and ranchers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their animals. The screwworm's presence in West Texas also underscores the need for continued cooperation between federal and state agricultural officials to combat the parasite's expansion. As the situation in West Texas continues to unfold, local residents should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent the introduction of the screwworm into the Barton Creek area, including monitoring their animals closely and reporting any suspicious cases to the authorities.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Barton Creek News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 31, prompting Texas authorities to maintain strict emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's ongoing expansion in West Texas.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News and curated for Barton Creek News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News. To learn more about how Barton Creek News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Barton Creek News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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