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The U.S. last beat screwworm in 1966. Can current leaders learn from the past’s playbook?
By Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 25, 2026
· 8 min read
Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
Key takeaway LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating effects on the U.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The resurgence of the New World screwworm has significant implications for Alamo Heights and the surrounding San Antonio area, where livestock and agricultural industries play a crucial role in the local economy. With the USDA estimating that eradication efforts saved the industry over $900 million annually in the past, the financial impact of this outbreak could be substantial. As local leaders consider how to respond to the outbreak, they would do well to study the playbook developed by Edward F. Knipling and other entomologists who successfully eradicated the screwworm in the 1960s. Knipling's emphasis on preventative measures and large-scale responses could inform the development of effective strategies to combat the screwworm's return. By learning from the past and taking proactive steps, Alamo Heights and the broader San Antonio community can work to mitigate the effects of the outbreak and protect the local agricultural industry.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: library ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 8 min
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What is this story about? Subscribe to The Y’all — a weekly dispatch about the people, places and policies defining Texas, produced by Texas Tribune journalists living in communities across the state.LUBBOCK — The New World screwworm has entered the country, and if history is any indication, the parasite’s devastating eff...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Jayme Lozano Carver at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more library coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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