western
How Texas universities are helping detect and control the New World screwworm
By Sara Sanchez at NBC DFW
· June 19, 2026
· 4 min read
As of June 19, officials had confirmed 12 New World screwworm cases in the United States, including 11 in Texas and one in New Mexico. The USDA said the funding will support new technologies aimed at improving detection, treatment and eradication efforts. What is the New World screwworm? The New Wor
Key takeaway The Grand Challenge On June 17, the USDA announced funding for 40 projects to help strengthen the response to the New World screwworm.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The New World screwworm's presence in Texas, with 11 confirmed cases, poses a significant threat to the state's livestock industry, which is a crucial part of the local economy, particularly in the Fort Worth area, known for the Fort Worth Stockyards. The involvement of Texas universities, including those in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, in the USDA's Grand Challenge is a positive step towards addressing this issue. Texas A&M AgriLife Research, with its projects focusing on maximizing the effectiveness of sterile insects and developing new therapeutics, is well-positioned to contribute to the effort. The University of Texas at Arlington's participation also brings local expertise to the table. As the situation unfolds, it will be worth watching how these research initiatives translate into practical solutions for livestock producers in Tarrant County and beyond, and how they impact the local agricultural community.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth 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 NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: western ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As of June 19, officials had confirmed 12 New World screwworm cases in the United States, including 11 in Texas and one in New Mexico. The USDA said the funding will support new technologies aimed at improving detection, treatment and eradication efforts. What is the New World screwworm? The New Wor
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sara Sanchez at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more western coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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