local
Texas confirms 12 screwworm cases as officials urge vigilance
By Elena Stoica at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas has confirmed 12 cases of New World screwworm, a parasite not seen in the U.S. in generations, prompting local leaders to urge ranchers and pet owners to take action.Laredo city leaders and Congressman Henry Cuellar held a press conference Friday morning, stating none ...
Key takeaway (KGNS) - Texas has confirmed 12 cases of New World screwworm, a parasite not seen in the U.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The confirmation of 12 New World screwworm cases in Texas puts local ranchers and pet owners in Webb County on high alert, despite none of the cases being reported in the county. The parasite's presence in the state poses a significant threat to the livestock industry, a crucial part of the local economy. The investment of $150 million in research by the federal government, in collaboration with AgriLife and Texas A&M, will likely have a direct impact on the region's agricultural community. The establishment of a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in nearby Edinburg also underscores the proximity of the issue to Laredo. As the city expands its emergency measures to include stray animals, residents can expect increased vigilance from local authorities, and it is crucial for animal owners to take proactive steps in monitoring their animals for signs of screwworm infestation.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . Laredo 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 KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Texas has confirmed 12 cases of New World screwworm, a parasite not seen in the U.S. in generations, prompting local leaders to urge ranchers and pet owners to take action.Laredo city leaders and Congressman Henry Cuellar held a press conference Friday morning, stating none ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elena Stoica at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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