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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 KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
The re-emergence of the New World screwworm in the US has significant implications for Sugar Land and the surrounding Fort Bend County area, where livestock and agriculture play a crucial role in the local economy. The estimated $900 million annual savings from eradication efforts in the past highlights the potential financial burden of this outbreak on local farmers and ranchers. As government officials work to contain the spread of the screwworm, it is crucial that they draw on the expertise of local entomologists and agricultural specialists who are familiar with the region's unique ecosystem. The historical success of Edward F. Knipling's preventative measures in eradicating the screwworm in the 1960s provides a valuable blueprint for current leaders to follow, and Sugar Land residents will be watching closely to see how effectively they respond to this emerging threat.
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: library ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
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 KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver 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 library coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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