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As New World screwworm reaches Texas, Trump officials race to breed more sterile flies
By Gabby Birenbaum | The Texas Tribune at Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
There is bipartisan agreement that the country is not producing nearly enough sterile flies to combat the flesh-eating parasite, which threatens to wreak havoc on Texas’ livestock industry.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The arrival of the New World screwworm in Texas has significant implications for the local livestock industry, which is a crucial part of the state's economy. San Antonio , being a major hub in the region, will likely feel the effects of this infestation. The bipartisan consensus on the need for more sterile flies to combat the parasite suggests that local lawmakers will be working closely with federal officials to address this issue. As the breeding program expands, it will be worth watching how the increased production of sterile flies is distributed across the state, particularly in areas like Bexar County, where livestock farming is prevalent. The success of this effort will have a direct impact on the livelihoods of local farmers and ranchers, making it a critical issue to follow in the coming months.
About this story
Original reporting by Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News . The San Antonio 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 Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? There is bipartisan agreement that the country is not producing nearly enough sterile flies to combat the flesh-eating parasite, which threatens to wreak havoc on Texas’ livestock industry.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabby Birenbaum | The Texas Tribune at Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News. To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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