Screwworm spreads to US wildlife in Texas, USDA says

( NewsNation ) — The first spread of the New World screwworm (NWS) in U.S. wildlife has been detected in Texas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said Tuesday the screwworm was found in an elk.

According to the federal agency, the elk was reported after it was harvested by a hunter on a game ranch.

“This detection highlights the critical role hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife professionals play in helping detect and stop the spread of NWS,” the USDA said in a news release.

Federal and state officials said they are expanding surveillance in the area and urging hunters, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts to watch for signs of infestation and report suspicious cases quickly to help prevent further spread.

First screwworm detection since FDA expanded treatments for the parasite

The USDA’s announcement follows the FDA’s June expansion of treatment options for animals aimed at fighting the flesh-eating parasite that poses a growing threat to livestock.

That same month, the USDA launched a 22,000-square-foot sterile fly production facility in Mexico that can produce up to 100 million flies to fight the parasite, which had been linked to 26 reported cases.

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that can enter animals through open wounds and feed on living tissue.

NewsNation’s Xavier Walton and Josie Fischels contributed to this report.