safety
Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite
By Amber Kite at FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW)
· 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 Southlake News
The emergency quarantines issued across 21 counties in response to the screwworm parasite outbreak have significant implications for Southlake residents who own livestock or frequently travel to affected areas in Deep South Texas. Although Southlake is not currently under quarantine, the parasite's presence in the state poses a threat to local animal health and the agricultural industry as a whole. As the quarantine orders aim to contain the parasite's expansion, Southlake livestock owners should be vigilant about monitoring their animals for signs of infestation and take preventative measures to protect them. The outbreak also serves as a reminder for residents to be aware of the risks associated with traveling to affected areas and to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the parasite. Local veterinary clinics and animal health services may see an increase in demand for screwworm treatments and preventative care, making it essential for residents to stay informed about the outbreak and its impact on the community.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) . 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 FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) ·
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 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW). To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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