local
What to know about the New World screwworm
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
By Jen Christensen, CNN
(CNN) — Earlier this month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told residents to brace themselves for an “extraordinarily challenging summer.” A flesh-eating parasite that did hundreds of millions of dollars of damage across the state in the 1960s and ’70s, one that had been conside...
Key takeaway Greg Abbott told residents to brace themselves for an “extraordinarily challenging summer.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The return of the New World screwworm poses a significant threat to El Paso 's livestock industry, which is a crucial part of the local economy. As the largest beef producer in the country, Texas is particularly vulnerable to the economic impact of this outbreak, and El Paso's proximity to the southern border puts it at risk of infestation. The parasite's ability to affect not only cattle but also wildlife and pets means that local animal owners and farmers must be vigilant in monitoring their animals for signs of infestation. With the US Department of Agriculture reporting cases in Texas and neighboring New Mexico, El Paso residents should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their animals, including reporting any suspicious cases to authorities. The economic implications of this outbreak could be felt throughout the community, from farmers to consumers, making it essential for local officials to work closely with state and federal agencies to contain the spread of the parasite.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso 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 KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Jen Christensen, CNN
(CNN) — Earlier this month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told residents to brace themselves for an “extraordinarily challenging summer.” A flesh-eating parasite that did hundreds of millions of dollars of damage across the state in the 1960s and ’70s, one that had been conside...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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