Faced with a modern outbreak that could endure for decades, historical documents are offering officials solutions to eradicate the parasite again.
Environment
Coverage of climate, conservation, natural resources, and environmental policy shaping the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
Where is screwworm in Texas? Track cases here.
The New World screwworm poses a multibillion-dollar threat to the state’s cattle industry. We’re keeping track of where these cases are reported.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
USDA defends screwworm response amid congressional fingerpointing
There is bipartisan agreement that the country is not producing nearly enough sterile flies to combat the flesh-eating parasite, which threatens to wreak havoc on Texas’ livestock industry.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
Texas officials say rodents and other small wildlife could be to blame for New World Screwworm infestations
Until now, cattle were believed to be the main screwworm carriers. Investigations continue.
Posted in
Environment
Recent rain gives Corpus Christi a 9-month reprieve on projected water crisis
Emergency restrictions are now expected to hit in September 2027, so the coastal city still faces a challenging future.
Posted in
Screwworm in Texas
“Mass euthanasias”: Screwworm could have deeper implications for Texas’ already-crowded animal shelters
Most stray animal shelters are already at capacity. Adding a deadly parasitic infestation could create an even more dire situation.
Posted in
Environment
An old well began gushing oilfield wastewater in a West Texas church parking lot, sparking a costly cleanup
By the time the Texas Railroad Commission shut down nearby oilfield injection wells to control the leak, 1.5 million gallons of toxic wastewater had spilled to the surface.
Posted in
Environment
Texas agency to set rules for using treated fracking wastewater on farmland
The state’s environmental regulator will hold a public hearing June 15 on its proposed rules for how the toxic wastewater can be reused. Here’s what you should know.
Posted in
Environment
Conservation groups sue to stop SpaceX land deal
The groups suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife want to preserve land that holds an endangered ocelot. They also argue SpaceX’s test launches send rocket debris into the refuge lands.
Posted in
Politics
Corpus Christi’s delayed water response bubbles up to Texas governor’s race
Frustrated by a lack of progress, Gov. Greg Abbott threatened state action. Gina Hinojosa, his Democratic opponent, accused him of backing industry over people.