safety
New World Screwworm found in calf in the Valley
By Mia Morales at ValleyCentral
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County officials have confirmed its first screwworm case in the western area of Starr County. Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes said the larvae was found in a baby calf. According to a social media post, Starr County officials say ...
Key takeaway Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes said the larvae was found in a baby calf.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
The discovery of a New World Screwworm case in Starr County has significant implications for livestock owners and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley, including those in neighboring Cameron County. The presence of this parasitic infestation can have devastating effects on cattle herds, and its confirmation in the western area of Starr County suggests that the risk of spread to other parts of the Valley is real. Brownsville -area ranchers should be on high alert, taking proactive measures to protect their animals and prevent the introduction of screwworms to their properties. The collaboration between Starr County officials and the Texas Animal Health Commission is crucial in containing this outbreak, and similar cooperation may be necessary in Cameron County if the infestation spreads. The economic impact on the local livestock industry could be substantial, making swift and effective response efforts essential to mitigating the damage.
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: safety ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County officials have confirmed its first screwworm case in the western area of Starr County. Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes said the larvae was found in a baby calf. According to a social media post, Starr County officials say ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by ValleyCentral and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mia Morales 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 safety coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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