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First pet infected as screwworm cases rise to 5 in Texas, New Mexico
By Rudy Mireles at ValleyCentral
· June 8, 2026
· 1 min read
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Federal officials confirmed three additional cases of New World screwworm in the United States, including the first case in a domesticated animal. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed that a...
Key takeaway Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed that a calf in La Salle County, Texas and a goat in Gillespie County, Texas were [...
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The confirmation of New World screwworm cases in Texas, including the first case in a domesticated animal, a dog in Andrews County, has significant implications for the Brownsville area. As a major hub for animal trade and agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley, the spread of screwworms could have devastating effects on local livestock and the economy. The Port of Brownsville, a key entry point for goods and animals, will likely play a critical role in preventing the further spread of the parasite. Cameron County government and the Brownsville ISD may need to work together to educate the public on the risks and prevention methods, particularly in rural areas where livestock is common. The city's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border also raises concerns about the potential for screwworms to spread across the border, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts with Mexican authorities to contain the outbreak.
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: local ·
Published: June 8, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Federal officials confirmed three additional cases of New World screwworm in the United States, including the first case in a domesticated animal. On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed that a...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 8, 2026 by ValleyCentral and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Rudy Mireles 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 local coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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