business
Screwworm spread across Texas threatens livestock — and millions of wild deer
By David Martin Davies at Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News
· June 25, 2026
· 1 min read
As of Thursday, Texas has confirmed 19 cases of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that could cause nearly $2 billion in annual economic losses. Wildlife experts warn that deer may be especially vulnerable because there is no proven way to treat them in the wild.
Key takeaway Wildlife experts warn that deer may be especially vulnerable because there is no proven way to treat them in the wild.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The spread of New World screwworm across Texas poses a significant threat to the state's livestock industry, with potential economic losses estimated at nearly $2 billion annually. In the San Antonio area, where ranching and wildlife management are integral to the local economy, the impact could be particularly severe. The vulnerability of wild deer to this parasite is of particular concern, given the large deer population in Bexar County and surrounding areas. With no proven treatment available for deer in the wild, the parasite's spread could have devastating consequences for local wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole. As the situation unfolds, local ranchers and wildlife managers will be closely watching the response efforts, hoping to mitigate the damage and prevent further spread of the parasite. The economic and environmental stakes are high, making a swift and effective response crucial to protecting the region's livestock and wildlife.
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: business ·
Published: June 25, 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? As of Thursday, Texas has confirmed 19 cases of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that could cause nearly $2 billion in annual economic losses. Wildlife experts warn that deer may be especially vulnerable because there is no proven way to treat them in the wild.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by Texas Public Radio (TPR) - News and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by David Martin Davies 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 business coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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