government
'As of yet, we are not in quarantine': Rio Grande City animal control trained to detect screwworm
By Jorge Vela at ValleyCentral
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Although there are no confirmed cases of the New World screwworm in Starr County or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande City officials are taking proactive steps as the pest has been detected farther north in Jim Hogg County. "Starr County nor o...
Key takeaway "Starr County nor our city here in Rio [...
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The move by Rio Grande City to certify its animal control officers as New World screwworm inspectors is a proactive step that acknowledges the region's vulnerability to this threat. Given the Rio Grande Valley's extensive agricultural industry and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border, the potential for the screwworm to spread is heightened. The certification of these officers in Rio Grande City will enable them to identify and respond to screwworm infestations more effectively, which is crucial for protecting the local livestock and preventing economic losses. This development also underscores the need for neighboring cities, including Brownsville , to consider similar measures to ensure a unified front against the screwworm threat, particularly in light of the Valley's history of dealing with Gulf hurricanes and other environmental challenges that can exacerbate the spread of pests and diseases.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral . The Brownsville 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 ValleyCentral . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Although there are no confirmed cases of the New World screwworm in Starr County or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande City officials are taking proactive steps as the pest has been detected farther north in Jim Hogg County. "Starr County nor o...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by ValleyCentral and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jorge Vela at ValleyCentral. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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