The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced June 5, 2026, that officials are monitoring a confirmed case of New World screwworm in Texas, the only known instance of the pest in the United States.
New screwworm case in Texas
The New World screwworm is a fly species whose larvae infest warm-blooded hosts through open wounds or lesions. While UDAF Commissioner Kelly Pehrson stated there is currently no risk to the food supply or public health, the department has implemented new travel requirements for pet owners. Dog and cat owners moving animals from Texas to Utah must now obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian.
State Veterinarian Dr. Amanda Price noted that while the U.S. has eradicated this fly in the past, successful eradication requires rapid detection and compliance with movement restrictions.
Wildfires increase ground-level ozone
Wildfire activity is also driving significant changes in air quality. A NASA-supported study published June 4, 2026, found that wildfires have worsened ground-level ozone pollution across much of the contiguous United States over the last decade.
Researchers found that wildfires erased approximately 5.3 years of ozone-control progress in the Midwest since 2015 by emitting gases like carbon monoxide, which help form surface ozone when mixed with other pollutants. The study also estimated that wildfire-related ozone exposure contributed to an increase of roughly 318 premature deaths per year in the U.S. after 2013.
Managing Utah Lake ecosystem
Regarding Utah's water resources, the Utah Lake Authority continues its mission of managing the ecosystem and recreational opportunities. The authority, which replaced the Utah Lake Commission following a transition completed by May 1, 2023, focuses on balancing ecological health with community use.
The agency works alongside the Department of Environmental Quality and the Division of Wildlife Resources to implement management plans that include environmental sustainability components.
Water safety and fishing advisories
For those utilizing Utah's public waters for fishing, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality maintains advisories for certain species and waterbodies due to contaminants like mercury and PCBs. These advisories provide specific guidance on serving sizes to protect public health, particularly for pregnant women and young children.
