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 Piney Point
For Piney Point Village residents who own livestock or enjoy outdoor activities, the New World Screwworm infestation is a concerning development. 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 to consider the implications for Harris County's agricultural industry and wildlife populations. The fact that small mammals don't travel long distances suggests that other factors may still be at play, and local farmers and animal owners should remain vigilant. With the screwworm's ability to infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, the stakes are high for Piney Point Village's rural and suburban areas, where livestock and wildlife coexist. As the situation unfolds, local authorities must work to educate residents on prevention and detection methods to mitigate the spread of this invasive pest.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 Piney Point 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 Piney Point 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 Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter