safety
Flesh-eating screwworm outbreak escalates in West Texas; strict transport ban issued
By Amber Kite at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 27, prompting Texas authorities to issue a fresh round of emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's expansion in West Texas.
Why this matters in Denton News
The escalating outbreak of New World screwworm in West Texas has significant implications for Denton County livestock owners, who must now be vigilant about the potential spread of this parasite to their own animals. Although the current outbreak is centered in West Texas, the issuance of emergency quarantine orders suggests that state officials are taking a proactive approach to preventing the screwworm's expansion into other parts of the state, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Denton County's proximity to major transportation routes means that the risk of infected animals being introduced to the area is higher, making it crucial for local farmers and ranchers to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols and report any suspicious cases to authorities promptly. The economic impact of a screwworm outbreak on Denton County's agricultural industry could be substantial, making swift action to prevent its spread a top priority.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Denton 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 FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 27, prompting Texas authorities to issue a fresh round of emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's expansion in West Texas.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) and curated for Denton News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth). To learn more about how Denton News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Denton News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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