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 Westlake News
The escalation of New World screwworm cases in West Texas to 31 confirmed instances raises concerns for livestock owners and rural communities in the surrounding areas, including Travis County. While the outbreak is currently confined to West Texas, the maintenance of strict emergency quarantine orders by Texas authorities suggests a cautious approach to preventing the parasite's spread. As West Lake Hills is part of the larger Austin area, local farmers and animal owners should be vigilant about monitoring their livestock for signs of infestation. The proximity of West Lake Hills to rural areas increases the risk of the parasite spreading to the region, making it crucial for residents to stay informed about the outbreak and take preventive measures to protect their animals.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Westlake 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 Westlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News. To learn more about how Westlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Westlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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