local
Texas at center of screwworm outbreak; 19 of 20 U.S. cases confirmed
By Omar Anzaldua at KGNS — Top News
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Federal and state officials have confirmed 20 screwworm cases nationwide, with 19 in Texas and one in New Mexico.The latest case was found June 23 in a cow in Medina County, triggering immediate state action.All U.S. cases so far have been found in domestic animals, mostly l...
Key takeaway (KGNS) - Federal and state officials have confirmed 20 screwworm cases nationwide, with 19 in Texas and one in New Mexico.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The screwworm outbreak's concentration in Texas, particularly with 19 out of 20 cases confirmed in the state, has significant implications for Webb County's ranching communities. The activation of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center by Governor Greg Abbott signals a proactive approach to containing the outbreak, and the implementation of strict animal-movement quarantines in key ranching counties, including parts of Webb, aims to prevent further spread. Local livestock owners and ranchers are likely to feel the effects of these quarantines, which may impact their operations and livelihoods. The fact that all U.S. cases have been found in domestic animals, mostly livestock, suggests that the outbreak is currently contained within the agricultural sector, but continued vigilance is necessary to protect the local economy and animal health. The Medina County case, reported just recently, underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and swift response to new cases in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Top News . The Laredo 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 KGNS — Top News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Top News ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Laredo stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Federal and state officials have confirmed 20 screwworm cases nationwide, with 19 in Texas and one in New Mexico.The latest case was found June 23 in a cow in Medina County, triggering immediate state action.All U.S. cases so far have been found in domestic animals, mostly l...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KGNS — Top News and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Omar Anzaldua at KGNS — Top News. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter