General · Texas behavioral health news
Vet offices crowding up as screwworm fears grow, but services are limited - fox5sandiego.com
Texas HHSC (Google News) · June 11, 2026
In plain language
Concerns about the New World screwworm parasite are leading to crowded veterinary offices in Texas. This parasite is dangerous because its larvae feed on live flesh and can infect livestock, pets, and humans if left untreated. Many rural Texas counties currently lack local veterinarians, making it difficult for animal owners to get fast medical care or prescriptions. While a bill to allow remote telemedicine for animals recently failed, some lawmakers hope to revisit the idea to help those in underserved areas.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- The New World screwworm is a dangerous parasite that feeds on the live flesh of mammals.
- Thirty-seven Texas counties currently operate without a local veterinarian.
- Untreated screwworm infections can kill an animal within two weeks.
- Telemedicine for veterinary care was proposed to help rural areas but did not pass the Texas legislature.
- Veterinarians are currently the only professionals authorized to prescribe treatments for these infections.
Vet offices crowding up as screwworm fears grow, but services are limited fox5sandiego.com
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