safety
Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite
By Amber Kite at FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — 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 Flower Mound News
The emergency quarantines issued across 21 counties in response to the screwworm parasite outbreak have significant implications for livestock owners and rural communities in Denton County and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area. Although the current outbreak is focused in Deep South Texas, the parasite's potential spread to North Texas could have devastating consequences for local ranchers and farmers. The screwworm's ability to infest and kill livestock makes it a major threat to the agricultural industry, and the quarantine orders are a necessary measure to prevent its spread. As the situation unfolds, local farmers and ranchers in Flower Mound and nearby communities should be vigilant and take precautions to protect their animals, and residents should be aware of the potential economic and environmental impacts of the outbreak on the region. The effectiveness of the quarantine orders will be crucial in determining the outcome of this outbreak.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News . Flower Mound 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 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — 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 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News and curated for Flower Mound News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News. To learn more about how Flower Mound News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Flower Mound News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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