safety
New World Screwworm found in calf in the Valley
By Mia Morales at ValleyCentral (KVEO NBC 23 / CBS 4) - Local News
· July 19, 2026
· 1 min read
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County officials have confirmed its first screwworm case in the western area of Starr County. Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes said the larvae was found in a baby calf. According to a social media post, Starr County officials say ...
Key takeaway Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes said the larvae was found in a baby calf.
Why this matters in The McAllen
The discovery of a New World Screwworm case in Starr County has significant implications for livestock owners and ranchers in the Rio Grande Valley. The presence of this parasitic infestation can have devastating effects on cattle herds, causing significant economic losses and potentially threatening the local agricultural industry. As Starr County officials work with the Texas Animal Health Commission to contain the outbreak, neighboring counties, including Hidalgo County where McAllen is located, should be on high alert. The Valley's unique geography, with its rural areas and proximity to the US-Mexico border, can facilitate the spread of the screwworm. Local farmers and ranchers must take immediate action to protect their livestock, and the community should be vigilant in reporting any suspected cases to prevent further spread. The economic well-being of the region's agricultural sector depends on swift and effective containment of this outbreak.
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: safety ·
Published: July 19, 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? HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Starr County officials have confirmed its first screwworm case in the western area of Starr County. Starr County Emergency Management spokesman Lenny Fuentes said the larvae was found in a baby calf. According to a social media post, Starr County officials say ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 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 Mia Morales 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 safety coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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