safety
Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite
By Amber Kite at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News
· 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 The Barton Creek
The emergency quarantines issued across 21 counties in response to the screwworm parasite outbreak have significant implications for livestock owners and rural communities in the Barton Creek area. As the parasite's presence is felt in Deep South Texas, local farmers and ranchers will need to take extra precautions to protect their animals from infestation. The screwworm's ability to devastate livestock populations poses a substantial economic threat to the agricultural sector, which is a vital part of the regional economy. With the parasite's expansion, residents in Barton Creek can expect increased vigilance from state and federal agricultural officials, who will be working to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread into Travis County. The effectiveness of these efforts will be crucial in mitigating the impact on local livestock and the broader community.
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: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News ·
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 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 .
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