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How Texas universities are helping detect and control the New World screwworm
By Sara Sanchez at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· 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?
Th...
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 Trophy Club
The New World screwworm's presence in Texas, with 11 confirmed cases as of June 19, poses a significant threat to the state's livestock industry, and the involvement of Texas universities in the USDA's Grand Challenge is a crucial step in combating this pest. The funding awarded to several Texas universities, including Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the University of Texas at Arlington, will support innovative projects aimed at improving detection, treatment, and eradication efforts. For instance, Texas A&M AgriLife Research's project on maximizing the effectiveness of sterile insects using electron-beam irradiation could lead to more efficient control methods. The economic implications of the New World screwworm infestation are substantial, and the research conducted by these universities will have a direct impact on the livelihoods of livestock producers in Denton County and beyond. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to monitor the progress of these projects and their potential to mitigate the effects of this parasitic fly on local agriculture.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
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?
Th...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sara Sanchez at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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