First New World screwworm case of current outbreak found in U.S. wild
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed Wednesday the first case of New World screwworm among U.S. wildlife amid current outbreak. (Photo Credit: Annabelle Gordon/UPI | License Photo)
Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Federal and Texas officials have confirmed the first known case of New World screwworm in U.S. wildlife during the current outbreak, raising worries about the months-long spread of the flesh-eating parasite among U.S. livestock.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the case Wednesday in a statement.
The parasite was found in a female elk harvested on a game ranch by a hunter in Pecos County, Texas.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said that a sample from the elk had been submitted to the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, where the parasite was identified and confirmed.
"We encourage all hunters and landowners to be vigilant for signs of New World screwworm while they are out in the field this season," Alan Cain, TPWD wildlife division director, said in a statement.
The USDA is encouraging hunters to watch for visible maggots in wounds or body openings, foul-smelling injuries, animals that appear lethargic or weak and signs of infestation around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas of wild animals as well as open, draining or enlarging wounds.
"If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately," the USDA said.
"Fast reporting helps animal health officials respond quickly and helps limit the pest's spread."
U.S. farmers have been concerned about a potential outbreak of the parasite among their ranches since the USDA confirmed the first detection of New World screwworm in the United States in early June. The pest was found in a calf in Zavala County, Texas.
The current outbreak was first detected in Panama and Costa Rica in 2023. Since then, cases in animals and people have been reported across Central America and Mexico.
The United States has been preparing for possible infestations, and the Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency use authorizations for drugs to prevent and treat New World screwworm among livestock and pets.
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