library
The U.S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past’s playbook?
By Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 25, 2026
· 8 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.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
Key takeaway LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating effects on the U.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The re-emergence of the New World screwworm in the US has significant implications for Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located. The county's agricultural industry, which includes livestock, could be severely impacted by the parasite's devastating effects. The USDA's estimate of over $900 million in annual savings from past eradication efforts highlights the potential financial burden of this outbreak. As local leaders work to prevent the spread of the screwworm, they can draw from the playbook developed by entomologists like Edward F. Knipling, who successfully eradicated the pest in the past. Knipling's emphasis on large-scale responses and preventative measures could inform the county's approach to addressing the outbreak. Magnolia residents who rely on the agricultural industry for their livelihood should be aware of the ongoing efforts to combat the screwworm and the potential consequences of inaction.
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: library ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 8 min
Get more Magnolia News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering library 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? 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.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver 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 library coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More library →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter