local
Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations
By Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 23, 2026
· 4 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.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...
Key takeaway “Bud” Dinges, executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission, told the Texas House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock.
Why this matters in The Pearland
For Pearland residents who own livestock or are involved in local agriculture, the New World Screwworm infestation is a pressing concern. The potential role of small wildlife and rodents in spreading the parasitic fly raises questions about the local ecosystem's vulnerability. As the Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department continue to investigate, it's crucial for Pearland farmers and animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures to protect their animals. The fact that small mammals don't travel long distances suggests that the screwworm may be spreading through local wildlife, making it essential for residents to monitor their surroundings and report any suspicious activity. With the screwworm's presence already detected in Texas, Pearland's proximity to the Houston area and its surrounding rural landscapes makes it a potential hotspot for further infestations, emphasizing the need for swift action and cooperation among local authorities, farmers, and residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The Pearland stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
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.McALLEN — As the New World screwworm continues to infiltrate livestock and other animals in Texas, many have been asking ho...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Berenice Garcia at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter