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USDA defends screwworm response amid congressional fingerpointing
By By Gabby Birenbaum The Texas Tribune at Denton Record-Chronicle
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
WASHINGTON — At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing earlier this month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was resolute — her agency was well prepared for the New World screwworm, and had kept it at bay for months before the first…
Key takeaway WASHINGTON — At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing earlier this month, U.
Why this matters in Denton News
The USDA's defense of its screwworm response has implications for Denton County, where livestock and ranching are integral to the local economy. If the screwworm infestation were to spread to North Texas, it could have devastating effects on the area's cattle and livestock industries. The county's rural areas, where many ranches and farms are located, would be particularly vulnerable to an outbreak. Local farmers and ranchers are likely watching the situation closely, as a screwworm infestation would not only harm their animals but also their livelihoods. The USDA's preparedness and response to the screwworm threat will be crucial in preventing the spread of the disease to Texas and protecting the local agricultural industry. Denton County residents can expect to see increased vigilance and monitoring from local agricultural officials to prevent the introduction of the screwworm to the area.
About this story
Original reporting by Denton Record-Chronicle . 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 Denton Record-Chronicle . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Denton Record-Chronicle ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON — At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing earlier this month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins was resolute — her agency was well prepared for the New World screwworm, and had kept it at bay for months before the first…
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Denton Record-Chronicle and curated for Denton News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by By Gabby Birenbaum The Texas Tribune at Denton Record-Chronicle. To learn more about how Denton News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Denton News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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