local
Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations
By Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 4 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 “Bud” Dinges, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, told the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
In Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located, the potential role of small wildlife and rodents in the New World Screwworm infestations raises concerns about the local ecosystem's vulnerability. The fact that armadillos, opossums, and rabbits can carry the parasitic fly suggests that the infestation may not be limited to livestock, but could also affect the local wildlife population. This has implications for outdoor enthusiasts and residents who enjoy hiking and exploring the area's natural spaces. As the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continues to investigate the source of the infestation, it is crucial for local residents to be aware of the risks and take precautions to protect their pets and livestock. The spread of the New World Screwworm could also have economic implications for the local agricultural industry, which is a significant contributor to the area's economy.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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