safety
Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite
By Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News
· June 27, 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 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.
Why this matters in Barton Creek News
The emergency quarantines issued across 21 counties in response to the New World screwworm parasite have significant implications for Travis County residents who own livestock or frequently travel to affected areas in Deep South Texas. As the parasite's presence expands, local animal owners must be vigilant in monitoring their animals' health and taking preventative measures to avoid infestation. The proximity of Barton Creek to major livestock areas means that residents should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their animals, even if the quarantines are not currently in effect in Travis County. This outbreak also underscores the need for continued collaboration between state and federal agricultural officials to prevent the further spread of the parasite and to develop effective strategies for containment and eradication.
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: June 27, 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 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 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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