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The U.S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past’s playbook?
By Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· June 25, 2026
· 8 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.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
Key takeaway LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating effects on the U.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The re-emergence of the New World screwworm has significant implications for Terrell Hills and the broader San Antonio area, where livestock and agricultural industries play a crucial role in the local economy. As the USDA estimates that past eradication efforts saved the industry over $900 million annually, the potential financial impact of this outbreak on local farmers and ranchers is a major concern. The fact that a playbook for eradication already exists, thanks to the work of Texas-born entomologist Edward F. Knipling, suggests that a coordinated and large-scale response is necessary to mitigate the effects of the screwworm. Local leaders would do well to study the historical documents from the National Agricultural Library and learn from the nearly 60-year battle with the screwworm, particularly Knipling's emphasis on preventative measures and genetic solutions. By doing so, they can help protect the local agricultural industry and prevent the devastating consequences of the screwworm outbreak.
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: library ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 8 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.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 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, Jayme Lozano Carver at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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