The New World screwworm parasite has been confirmed in an elk on a game ranch in Pecos County, Texas, marking the first known case of the parasite spreading to US wildlife. The US Department of Agriculture announced the finding late Wednesday, noting that the elk was collected by a hunter, which highlighted the importance of hunters, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts in early detection efforts.
Spread among wildlife has been a major concern for cattle ranchers, as wildlife often traverse the same grazing areas as livestock. The USDA emphasized that individuals spending time outdoors near infested areas are often the first to encounter affected wildlife, making their observations valuable for ongoing surveillance and response efforts.
The New World screwworm, which can be fatal to livestock if untreated, was first detected in Texas livestock in early June. Since then, the spread has remained relatively contained within the US. In addition to the elk case, only one wild fly has been detected, offering further insight into how the parasite continues to spread across the region.
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing