safety
Flesh-eating screwworm outbreak escalates in West Texas; strict transport ban issued
By Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News
· June 29, 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 27, prompting Texas authorities to issue a fresh round of emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's expansion in West Texas.
Why this matters in Westlake News
The escalating flesh-eating screwworm outbreak in West Texas has significant implications for livestock owners and rural communities in the surrounding areas, including Travis County. Although the outbreak is currently confined to West Texas, the risk of screwworm infestation spreading to other parts of the state is a concern for local farmers and ranchers in the Austin area. The emergency quarantine orders issued by Texas authorities may impact the transport of livestock and animals through Travis County, potentially affecting local agricultural businesses and events. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the effectiveness of the quarantine measures and the potential economic impact on the local livestock industry. The proximity of West Lake Hills to Austin, a major hub for agricultural trade and commerce, adds to the urgency of containing the outbreak and preventing its spread to other regions of the state.
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: June 29, 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 27, prompting Texas authorities to issue a fresh round of emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's expansion in West Texas.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 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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