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Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations
By Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...
Key takeaway McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The potential role of small wildlife and rodents in the New World Screwworm infestations has significant implications for San Antonio area farmers and ranchers. As the Texas Animal Health Commission continues to investigate the source of the outbreak, local livestock owners are on high alert, taking precautions to protect their animals from the parasitic fly. The fact that small mammals like armadillos, opossums, and rabbits can carry the screwworm raises concerns about the potential for further spread in the region. San Antonio's proximity to the Texas-Mexico border, where the screwworm was previously detected, also increases the risk of infestation. Local agricultural experts will be closely watching the investigation's progress, as the screwworm's presence could have devastating economic and environmental consequences for the area's farming and ranching industries. The city's animal health officials will need to work closely with state and federal agencies to develop effective strategies for controlling the spread of the screwworm.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). 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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