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Flesh-eating screwworms are spreading in Texas. Here's how to spot the signs in your pet.
By Matthew Ablon at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· July 8, 2026
· 4 min read
It's now been more than a month since federal health officials first reported that a flesh-eating New World screwworm was detected in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. The presence of the pest has spurred action from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and from Texas health officials.Part of ...
Key takeaway The first thing to know is that the screwworm isn't really a worm; Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension notes it's a parasitic fly native to the Americas, though the name refers to the maggots that hatch from its eggs.
Why this matters in Southlake News
For pet owners in Southlake , the presence of flesh-eating New World screwworms in Texas, although currently confined to southern counties, warrants attention and vigilance. While Tarrant County, where Southlake is located, has not been reported as an affected area, the proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth area means that residents should be aware of the signs of screwworm infestation in their pets. The screwworm's ability to lay eggs in fresh wounds and the subsequent damage caused by the maggots feeding on flesh can lead to severe health issues and even death if left untreated. As the USDA and Texas health officials continue to monitor the situation, Southlake pet owners should take precautions to protect their animals, particularly those that spend time outdoors, by being mindful of any unusual wounds or symptoms and seeking veterinary care promptly if they suspect an infestation.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake 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 CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It's now been more than a month since federal health officials first reported that a flesh-eating New World screwworm was detected in a calf in Zavala County, Texas. The presence of the pest has spurred action from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and from Texas health officials.Part of ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Ablon at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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