safety
Texas agricultural officials issue emergency quarantines across 21 counties for screwworm parasite
By Amber Kite at KTVU FOX 2 News
· June 27, 2026
· 1 min read
Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
San Francisco residents may not immediately see the relevance of a parasite outbreak in Texas, but the screwworm quarantine has implications for the local livestock industry and pet owners who travel with their animals. Although the parasite is currently confined to the southern United States, the Bay Area's proximity to major transportation hubs means that infected animals could potentially be introduced to the region. This highlights the need for vigilance among local animal owners and veterinary professionals, who should be aware of the symptoms of screwworm infestation and take steps to prevent its spread. The San Francisco Department of Public Health and the City's Animal Care and Control agency should also be prepared to respond quickly in the event of a local outbreak, to prevent the parasite from gaining a foothold in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by KTVU FOX 2 News . The San Francisco 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 KTVU FOX 2 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KTVU FOX 2 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The San Francisco stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety 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? Federal and state agricultural officials have confirmed that the number of New World screwworm cases in the United States has reached 26, as Texas authorities issue a wave of emergency quarantine orders to contain the flesh-eating parasite's expansion into Deep South Texas.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KTVU FOX 2 News and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Kite at KTVU FOX 2 News. To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter