The New World screwworm (NWS) may sound like a livestock problem, but Texas veterinarians say pet owners should pay attention too.

Why it matters: Confirmed cases of the flesh-eating parasite are creeping closer to Bexar County.

The latest: Texas has confirmed 15 cases of NWS, all involving goats, cattle and sheep. A separate case confirmed in Lea County, New Mexico — which borders Texas — involved a dog.

• Cases have been confirmed in Zavala and Gillespie counties, near Bexar County.
• City spokesperson Mia Garza-White tells Axios that San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) is not aware of any confirmed local cases of NWS.

Threat level: Female screwworm flies lay eggs in wounds and skin openings, including scratches, insect bites and surgical incisions. The larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe damage and, if left untreated, death.

Pet owners should watch for:

• Unusual swelling, discharge or a foul odor from a wound
• Excessive licking or signs of pain
• Loss of appetite or lethargy

If you suspect an infestation, seek veterinary care immediately.

What they're saying: Lori Teller, a veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, tells Axios any pet that spends time outdoors — whether in rural or urban areas — could be at risk.

• "Flies themselves do not discriminate between rural and urban communities," Teller says. "They go where the animals are."

Between the lines: Several flea and tick preventives prescribed for dogs and cats have received FDA authorization to treat NWS infestations, meaning pets already on those medications may have some protection.

Context: NWS was eradicated in the U.S. decades ago and largely contained in Panama. Since 2023, cases have spread northward, reaching U.S. soil this month.

State of play: The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it's deploying a $1.3 billion "New World Screwworm response."

• That includes setting up a $750 million Texas plant to produce and release 300 million sterile male screwworm flies every week.

The bottom line: Pet owners don't need to cancel hikes or dog park trips, but Teller says they should check wounds more carefully.

• "Vigilance, yes; panic, no," she says.

What will future generations think of Texas when they open America's Time Capsule — a nationwide project to preserve pieces of U.S. history as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebration?

The big picture: The 900-pound steel capsule reportedly includes over 200 artifacts from the federal government and all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and five territories, meant to create an authentic record of American life in 2026.

• It will be buried in Philadelphia with the idea that future Americans will open it in 2276 — 250 years from now.

What Texas is adding

The Lone Star State decided to keep its offerings government focused:

• The Texas state seal reproduced on a chiseled glass paperweight.
• The state flag.
• A copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Plus, a copy of the 2026 PGA Tour schedule, which includes competitions in San Antonio, Houston and Austin.

What else Texas should have added

• A cowboy hat: Who knows what fashion will look like in the 23rd century? The reemergence of Texas' trademark headwear could spark a new trend.

📬 Tell us: What do you think Texas should have included in the capsule?

• Hit reply to share your thoughts. Your responses could be featured in a future newsletter.

🏀 The Spurs selected Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance with the No. 20 overall pick in the NBA draft last night.

• The Spurs also acquired the draft rights to center Tarris Reed Jr. (Spurs)

🍖 Grecia and Esaul Ramos of 2M Smokehouse will compete on the Food Network's new barbecue competition series, "Pitmasters," which premieres July 13. (Facebook)

⚖️ Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones wants San Antonio to cancel a July Fourth concert by Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, because of his history of antisemitic comments. A majority of city councilmembers condemned the rapper's rhetoric but argued the city should not block the event. (Express-News 🔑)

🗳️ Stat du jour

In a poll released yesterday by UT's Texas Politics Project, 84% of GOP voters said they would support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his bid for U.S. Senate if the contest were held today.

• That's compared to 63% in April.
• Overall, Paxton leads Democratic state Rep. James Talarico 43% to 42%, with 10% having no opinion.

🤠 Howdy, it's Madalyn! Blue Rodeo Coffee has been all over my Instagram feed lately — whether it's friends raving about the blueberry syrup or the steady stream of Spurs humor. Naturally, I had to check it out.

State of play: The bright blue coffee trailer is parked at Ranch Motel on Broadway. No reservation or day pass is needed — just park on Avenue B and enter through the nearby gate.

• The service was friendly, and I loved the truck's "REMEMBER THE ALAMO AND JUNE 25, 1999" decal — a nod to the Spurs' first NBA Championship.

What to try: I'm not much of a blueberry fan, so I went with a classic iced latte with honey and cinnamon ($6.25).

Six-word review: Warm hospitality, cold coffee — no complaints.

What's next: I'll be back for the Dirty Cola, made with vanilla, Coke, espresso and a splash of cream.

Families looking to make the most of their summer budget can score free meals for kids at La Panadería.

State of play: The San Antonio bakery-café is offering free meals for kids on Wednesdays at all locations through Aug. 12.

How it works: Guests who purchase an adult entrée can receive one free kids croissant meal, with a limit of two free kids meals per transaction.

• Kids can choose from a ham, egg and Swiss croissant or a ham and Swiss croissant.