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The U.S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past’s playbook?
By Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 25, 2026
· 8 min read
Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
Key takeaway LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating effects on the U.
Why this matters in Tomball News
For Tomball residents, the re-emergence of the New World screwworm is a concerning development, given the city's location within the Houston area and its proximity to rural areas where livestock are commonly raised. The potential financial impact on local farmers and ranchers could be significant, as the USDA estimates that eradication efforts in the past saved the industry over $900 million annually. As government officials work to contain the outbreak, they would do well to study the playbook developed by Edward F. Knipling and other entomologists who successfully eradicated the screwworm in 1966. Knipling's emphasis on preventative measures and large-scale responses could inform the current response efforts, and his Texas roots make his expertise particularly relevant to the local context. As the situation unfolds, Tomball residents will be watching closely to see how effectively state and federal authorities can apply the lessons of the past to mitigate the effects of this devastating parasite.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 8 min
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What is this story about? Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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