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 Westlake News
The emergency quarantines issued across 21 counties in response to the New World screwworm parasite have significant implications for livestock owners and rural communities in the West Lake Hills area. Although the quarantines are currently focused on Deep South Texas, the parasite's presence in the state poses a threat to local animal health and the regional economy. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for Travis County farmers and ranchers to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their animals from infestation. The potential economic impact of a screwworm outbreak on local agriculture cannot be overstated, and residents should be aware of the resources available to them for monitoring and reporting suspicious cases. Local veterinary clinics and animal health services will likely play a key role in containing the parasite's spread, and their efforts will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
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 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 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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