New World screwworm in Texas is raising concern among ranchers, veterinarians and pet owners after federal animal-health officials confirmed the parasite’s return in U.S. animals. The threat is serious because New World screwworm larvae can infest living tissue in cattle, pets, wildlife and, less commonly, people. But officials and experts also stress that the United States has defeated this pest before. New World screwworm in Texas: what officials confirmed

Texas screwworm cases are drawing national attention after the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported additional New World screwworm detections connected to Texas animal health surveillance on Monday, June 8, 2026. The cases, including a calf in La Salle County and a dog case initially linked to Andrews County, have raised concern because the parasite can threaten cattle, pets and wildlife. Texas Screwworm Cases Raise Livestock Concerns At the time of t

A South Texas screwworm calf case has prompted federal and state officials to establish a livestock quarantine zone in Zavala County after the New World screwworm was confirmed in a young calf near La Pryor. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the detection on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas. Officials said the larvae were found in the calf’s umbilical area and that no ad

Six horses were seized in West Texas after a traffic stop in Presidio County raised concerns about suspected livestock smuggling and possible animal health risks. Deputies stopped a vehicle on FM 170 to verify required Coggins test documentation for the horses, according to the supplied report. The date of the traffic stop was not provided in the source material. USDA Quarantine Ordered After West Texas Horse Seizure During the stop, the driver

A venomous ant species, the Asian needle ant, originally hailing from China, is causing concern across 20 states in the United States due to its rapid spread and painful sting. Health experts are urging the public to be cautious after the insect, which is black to dark brown and smaller than most common ants, was detected in several states, including Florida, Georgia, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts. Although the species was first identified in the U.S. over 90 years ago, it has only recen

Ohio Puppy Mills 2026: Has the Situation Improved? Ohio’s ranking in the 2026 puppy mill report has dropped—but animal welfare concerns remain serious. Eight breeders in the state are still flagged for repeated violations, according to officials. What the 2026 “Horrible Hundred” Report Reveals The annual report by Humane World for Animals ide

Akshaya Tritiya 2026 will be celebrated on April 19 (Sunday) and is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. The word “Akshaya” means “never diminishing,” symbolizing eternal prosperity, success, and good fortune. Unlike other festivals, this day is believed to be self-auspicious, meaning there is no need to find a separate muhurat to begin new activities. Any good deed, purchase, or investment made on this day is believed to grow and bring long-term benefits.

India's Parliament is set to witness a fierce debate over three proposed bills that could significantly alter the country's electoral system, especially the reservation for women. While the government argues these bills are crucial for ensuring a 33% reservation for women, the opposition and legal experts have raised serious concerns about the political and constitutional implications. The first bill, the Constitutional Amendment Bill, proposes an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 850,

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has joined several other states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of unlawfully refusing to provide federal food assistance benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the legal action Tuesday, stating that the decision by the administration to withhold funds under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will leave millions of residents without

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that federal food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be distributed beginning November 1, as the federal government shutdown extends with no resolution in sight. The announcement intensifies concerns across the country as millions of Americans who rely on SNAP face the prospect of losing their primary means of purchasing food. According to the USDA’s notice, the agency will not tap into th

Every year on October 8, marine enthusiasts, conservationists, and nature lovers around the globe come together to celebrate World Octopus Day — a day dedicated to one of the ocean’s most fascinating and intelligent creatures. First observed in 2014, this annual event highlights the extraordinary abilities of octopuses while calling attention to the growing environmental and ethical challenges they face in the modern world. The octopus, with its eight flexible arms, keen intelli

Gold, the most closely watched safe-haven asset, slipped from its record peak this week, sparking fresh debate among investors and traders. The decline in 22-carat and 24-carat gold prices has been tied to three key factors: the strengthening US dollar, cautious Federal Reserve signals, and anticipation around upcoming economic data. Despite the retreat, gold remains under the spotlight as global uncertainty keeps demand resilient.

The United States has reported its first human case of New World screwworm in nearly sixty years, sparking concerns over both public health and the agricultural industry. Officials confirmed that the case was identified in Maryland, where a patient was diagnosed after returning from Central America. While reports differed over whether the individual had traveled to El Salvador or Guatemala, the confirmation itself marks a serious event given that this parasite

Starting January 1, 2026, Nebraska will become the first state in the nation to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of soda, soft drinks, and energy drinks. This policy change will be implemented as part of a two-year pilot program introduced jointly by Governor Jim Pillen and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Announced during a news conference in Fremont, Nebraska, the pilot program aims to test the impact of limiting sug

AUSTIN, Texas – The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) is bracing for a major blow after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) slashed funding for critical food assistance programs. These cuts, tied to over $1 billion in federal reductions, will impact the availability of nutritious food for thousands of families in the region and reduce support for the local farming community. Beth Corbett, Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy at CTFB, said the cuts stem from chan