local
'As of yet, we are not in quarantine': Rio Grande City animal control trained to detect screwworm
By Jorge Vela at ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Although there are no confirmed cases of the New World screwworm in Starr County or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande City officials are taking proactive steps as the pest has been detected farther north in Jim Hogg County. "Starr County nor o...
Key takeaway "Starr County nor our city here in Rio [...
Why this matters in The McAllen
The move by Rio Grande City to certify its animal control officers as New World screwworm inspectors is a proactive step that acknowledges the region's vulnerability to this parasitic threat. Given the Rio Grande Valley's agricultural significance and its location along the US-Mexico border, the potential economic and environmental impact of a screwworm infestation is substantial. With livestock being a crucial part of the local economy, the ability of animal control officers to inspect and identify screwworm cases promptly could help mitigate the risk of widespread infestation. This certification also underscores the city's commitment to collaborating with local ranchers and farmers to protect their livelihoods. As the region's agricultural community continues to grow, the need for vigilant monitoring and swift response to potential threats like the New World screwworm will only continue to increase, making Rio Grande City's efforts a model for other Valley communities to follow.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News . The McAllen 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 ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- Although there are no confirmed cases of the New World screwworm in Starr County or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande City officials are taking proactive steps as the pest has been detected farther north in Jim Hogg County. "Starr County nor o...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jorge Vela at ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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