local
'Infested zones,' new screwworm cases have border residents on edge
By Sandra Sanchez at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
Ranchers and residents attended an information session Tuesday in Rio Grande City, Texas, to learn about new infestation zones and surveillance zones in STarr County, after a calf was found infected with New World screwworm on Saturday in neighboring Jim Hogg County.
Why this matters in The Barton Creek
The emergence of new screwworm cases in neighboring Jim Hogg County has significant implications for Barton Creek residents who own livestock or have ties to the ranching community in southern Texas. As the infestation zones and surveillance areas expand in Starr County, local ranchers and farmers may need to take extra precautions to protect their animals from this highly infectious parasite. The proximity of Barton Creek to the affected areas means that residents should be vigilant about monitoring their livestock for signs of infection and reporting any suspicious cases to the relevant authorities. This outbreak also underscores the need for continued collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies to prevent the spread of the screwworm and to support affected ranchers and farmers in the region. Residents with livestock should stay informed about the latest developments and take proactive steps to safeguard their animals.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . 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 KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Ranchers and residents attended an information session Tuesday in Rio Grande City, Texas, to learn about new infestation zones and surveillance zones in STarr County, after a calf was found infected with New World screwworm on Saturday in neighboring Jim Hogg County.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories and curated for The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sandra Sanchez at KXAN (NBC Austin) - All Stories. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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