safety
Flesh-eating screwworm outbreak escalates in West Texas as confirmed cases reach 31
By Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News
· July 2, 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 31, prompting Texas authorities to maintain strict emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's ongoing expansion in West Texas.
Why this matters in The Barton Creek
The escalation of New World screwworm cases in West Texas to 31 confirmed instances has significant implications for livestock owners and rural communities in the broader Austin area, including Barton Creek . While the outbreak is currently confined to West Texas, the maintenance of strict emergency quarantine orders by Texas authorities suggests a cautious approach to preventing the parasite's spread to other parts of the state. For local farmers and ranchers in Travis County, this outbreak serves as a warning to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their animals from this devastating parasite. The economic impact of a potential outbreak in the Austin area could be substantial, affecting not only livestock owners but also related businesses and the local economy. As the situation in West Texas continues to unfold, Barton Creek residents should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to prevent the introduction of the screwworm parasite into the local area.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . The Barton Creek 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 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The Barton Creek stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 31, prompting Texas authorities to maintain strict emergency quarantine orders to combat the flesh-eating parasite's ongoing expansion in West Texas.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News and curated for The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter