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Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations
By Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· June 23, 2026
· 4 min read
Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...
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 Terrell Hills News
The potential role of small wildlife and rodents in the New World Screwworm infestations has significant implications for Terrell Hills and surrounding areas. As the investigation continues, local livestock owners and animal enthusiasts should be vigilant about monitoring their animals for signs of infestation. The fact that small mammals like armadillos, opossums, and rabbits can carry the parasitic fly means that even urban and suburban areas like Terrell Hills could be at risk. With the screwworm's ability to affect not just livestock but also other warm-blooded animals, the community should be prepared for a potential outbreak. The Texas Animal Health Commission's findings highlight the need for cooperation between local animal health officials, wildlife experts, and the community to prevent the spread of the screwworm and mitigate its impact on local animals and the economy.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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