Officials confirm flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite found in US wildlife

The elk was located on a game ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter, according to the USDA. The Texas animal health commission will modify a previously established infested zone, while the USDA and the Texas parks and wildlife department conduct additional wildlife surveillance in the area.

Vigilance urged

Authorities are urging hunters and landowners to remain vigilant for signs of the parasite. "We encourage all hunters and landowners to be vigilant for signs of New World screwworm while they are out in the field this season," said Texas wildlife division director Alan Cain.

Economic impact

The parasite, which was eradicated from the US decades ago, has surged north from Central America through Mexico. The US halted livestock imports from Mexico last year to keep out screwworm, but resumed trade in August at an Arizona port as part of a phased reopening plan. The halt has tightened US cattle supplies and pushed beef prices to record highs for American consumers.

Previous detections

Despite efforts to prevent its spread, the screwworm was detected in June on a calf in Texas's Zavala county, located near the US-Mexico border. There have since been dozens of cases detected in the US this year, including on a horse and on a dog.