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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 The Pearland
For Brazoria County residents, the re-emergence of the New World screwworm is a concerning development, given the parasite's history of devastating livestock populations. The fact that the USDA estimates the industry saved over $900 million annually as a result of past eradication efforts underscores the potential financial impact on local ranchers and farmers. 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 the 1960s. Knipling's emphasis on preventative measures and large-scale responses could inform the current response, particularly in areas like Pearland , where agriculture and livestock are integral to the local economy. By drawing on this historical expertise, officials may be able to mitigate the effects of the outbreak and protect the livelihoods of local farmers and ranchers.
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: 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 The Pearland 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 The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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