safety
Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite
By Amber Kite at FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - 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 Tomball News
The emergency quarantines issued across 21 counties in response to the New World screwworm parasite have significant implications for livestock owners and rural communities in the Tomball area. As the parasite's presence is felt in Deep South Texas, local farmers and ranchers in Harris County must be vigilant in monitoring their animals for signs of infestation. The screwworm's ability to devastate livestock populations poses a substantial threat to the local economy, which relies heavily on agriculture. With the quarantine orders in place, Tomball residents can expect increased scrutiny of animal movements and sales, as well as potential disruptions to local livestock markets. As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial for local authorities to provide timely guidance and support to affected farmers and ranchers to mitigate the economic impact of the outbreak.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News . Tomball 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 26 Houston (KRIV) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - 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 26 Houston (KRIV) - News and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at FOX 26 Houston (KRIV) - News. To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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