safety
Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite
By Amber Kite at FOX 26 Houston (KRIV)
· June 27, 2026
· 1 min read
Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.
Why this matters in Sugar Land News
The emergency quarantines issued across 21 counties in response to the New World screwworm parasite have significant implications for Sugar Land residents who own livestock or frequently interact with animals in rural areas of Fort Bend County. As the parasite's presence expands into Deep South Texas, local animal owners must be vigilant in monitoring their animals for signs of infestation and take proactive measures to prevent its spread. The economic impact of the screwworm parasite on the local agricultural industry could be substantial, affecting not only livestock owners but also related businesses and the broader community. Sugar Land residents should stay informed about the quarantine orders and any additional guidance provided by state and federal agricultural officials to mitigate the risk of infestation and support efforts to contain the parasite's spread.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) . Sugar Land 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 FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 26 Houston (KRIV). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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