local
Texas pet owners urged to protect animals as New World screwworm cases rise
By Kenny Graves at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 19, 2026
· 2 min read
At least 39 cases of new world screwworm have been confirmed in Texas since June 3, according to the USDA, and animal rescue officials say the threat extends beyond livestock to household pets.Watch the full story here: Texas pet owners urged to protect animals as new world screwworm cases rise i...
Key takeaway "Anybody that can have an open wound can be affected by it," Elora Alexander of the Grimes County Animal Rescue said.
Why this matters in The Waco
The rise of new world screwworm cases in Texas poses a significant threat to household pets in Waco , emphasizing the need for local pet owners to be vigilant about their animals' health. As the Grimes County Animal Rescue warns, any animal with an open wound is vulnerable to screwworm flies, making it crucial for owners to take preventive measures such as thoroughly cleaning wounds and keeping pets in enclosed spaces when possible. The outbreak's impact on local animal rescues, including the halt of out-of-state transport, also underscores the importance of community support for foster and adoption efforts. With many Waco residents considering their pets to be part of their families, protecting them from this parasite is a top priority, and local animal lovers can stay informed about prevention methods through resources like the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences website.
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: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? At least 39 cases of new world screwworm have been confirmed in Texas since June 3, according to the USDA, and animal rescue officials say the threat extends beyond livestock to household pets.Watch the full story here: Texas pet owners urged to protect animals as new world screwworm cases rise i...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kenny Graves 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 local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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