government
Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations
By Berenice Garcia, The Texas Tribune at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
McALLEN As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking how the parasitic fly landed here to begin with.Last week, the Texas Animal Health Commission identified a potential cause: small wildlife and rodents like armadillos, opossums ...
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 The Waco
The revelation that small wildlife and rodents could be contributing to the New World Screwworm infestations in Texas has significant implications for Waco area farmers and ranchers. As the Texas Animal Health Commission continues to investigate the source of the first case, local livestock owners are on high alert, taking precautions to protect their animals from this devastating parasitic fly. The fact that wildlife is susceptible to New World Screwworm in the same manner as livestock means that the risk of transmission is not limited to cattle smuggling or other human activities, but can also occur through natural wildlife migration patterns. This raises concerns about the potential for the screwworm to spread quickly throughout the region, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between local farmers, ranchers, and wildlife experts to prevent further infestations and protect the local agricultural economy.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? McALLEN As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking how the parasitic fly landed here to begin with.Last week, the Texas Animal Health Commission identified a potential cause: small wildlife and rodents like armadillos, opossums ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Berenice Garcia, The Texas Tribune at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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