Flesh-eating screwworm parasite confirmed in US wildlife

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 01:20 · Archive

The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first detection of New World screwworm in US wildlife, found in an elk in Texas.

The US Department of Agriculture confirmed on Wednesday the first detection of the New World screwworm in US wildlife, found in an elk on a game ranch in Pecos County, Texas, after the animal was harvested by a hunter.

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs in open wounds or body openings of warm-blooded animals. Once hatched, the larvae feed on living tissue. The USDA says the parasite does not affect food safety but can impact meat production. Warning signs of infection include visible maggots in wounds, foul-smelling injuries, open or enlarging wounds, and infestations around an animal's nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas.

Eradicated from the US decades ago, the screwworm has surged north from Central America through Mexico in recent years. In June, the USDA confirmed the presence of the parasite in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County near the US-Mexico border. There have since been dozens of cases detected in the US this year, including on a horse and a dog. Officials urged hunters and landowners to watch for signs of infection and to report any suspicious cases immediately. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is conducting additional wildlife surveillance in the area.

How it is being reported

• First case of New World screwworm found in U.S. wildlife, USDA saysThe New World screwworm was detected in an elk that was discovered on a game ranch in Pecos County, Texas.CBS News · 22 Oct, 01:01
• Officials confirm flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite found in US wildlifeUSDA says screwworm found in elk in Texas, and warns hunters and ranchers to be vigilant to help stop spread The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Wednesday it had confirmed the first detection of flesh-eating parasite the New World screwworm in US wildlife in an elk in Pecos county, Texas. The elk was located on a game ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter, the USDA said in a statement. Continue reading...Guardian World · 22 Oct, 00:36

In this story: US Department of Agriculture · Texas · Pecos County · Mexico · Texas Parks and Wildlife Department · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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