local
Texas confirms 12 screwworm cases as officials urge vigilance
By Elena Stoica at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas has confirmed 12 cases of New World screwworm, a parasite not seen in the U.S. in generations, prompting local leaders to urge ranchers and pet owners to take action.Laredo city leaders and Congressman Henry Cuellar held a press conference Friday morning, stating none ...
Key takeaway (KGNS) - Texas has confirmed 12 cases of New World screwworm, a parasite not seen in the U.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The confirmation of 12 New World screwworm cases in Texas puts local ranchers and pet owners in Webb County on high alert, despite none of the cases being reported in the county. The parasite's presence in the state poses a significant threat to the livestock industry, a crucial part of the local economy. The USDA's investment in a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg and the federal government's $150 million research initiative through AgriLife and Texas A&M demonstrate the severity of the situation. The mayor's expansion of the emergency to include stray animals with open wounds for checkups also highlights the need for vigilance in the community. As the city and county work to prevent the spread of screwworm, residents can take proactive steps by regularly checking their animals for open wounds or maggots and reporting any suspicious findings to the Texas Animal Health Commission.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local 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 (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas has confirmed 12 cases of New World screwworm, a parasite not seen in the U.S. in generations, prompting local leaders to urge ranchers and pet owners to take action.Laredo city leaders and Congressman Henry Cuellar held a press conference Friday morning, stating none ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elena Stoica at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local 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 .
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