US Agriculture Dept confirms first detection of New World screwworm in US wildlife

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the first discovery of the flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite in wildlife within the United States, specifically in an elk located in Pecos County, Texas. The elk was identified following its harvest by a hunter. In response to this detection, the Texas Animal Health Commission plans to adjust an already established infested zone.

The USDA, in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is also increasing wildlife surveillance in the vicinity. The screwworm, once eradicated from the US decades ago, has recently migrated northward from Central America through Mexico. This migration has led the US to impose a ban on Mexican cattle imports, which was enforced for over a year to prevent the spread of the pest.

However, Mexico was permitted to resume exporting cattle to the US in August, as part of a phased reopening plan, in an attempt to bolster US cattle supplies and subsequently drive up beef prices for American consumers.