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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 KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
The potential role of small wildlife and rodents in the New World Screwworm infestations has significant implications for Sugar Land and the surrounding Fort Bend County area. As the investigation into the source of the infestations continues, local livestock owners and animal health officials will be watching closely to see if the parasite spreads to the region. The fact that small mammals like armadillos, opossums, and rabbits can carry the parasite raises concerns about the potential for widespread infestations in the area's rural and suburban communities. With the USDA predicting the inevitable arrival of screwworm in the US, Sugar Land residents who own livestock or pets will need to be vigilant in monitoring their animals for signs of infestation and taking preventative measures to protect them. The city's proximity to the Texas-Mexico border also makes it a key location for monitoring the spread of the parasite.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . 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 KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
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 KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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