New World screwworm detected in Otero County and Texas
The detection in an elk has prompted expanded surveillance and trap monitoring as officials warn the parasite can threaten livestock and wildlife.
- On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the first detection of New World screwworm in U.S. wildlife, with the parasite found in an elk harvested by a hunter on a game ranch in Pecos County, Texas.
- New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs in open wounds; larvae feed on living tissue rather than dead flesh. The current outbreak has reached 59 confirmed cases in the United States since June.
- Animal movement restrictions remain in effect across portions of 12 Texas counties, including Brewster and Crockett, to contain the parasite. The Texas Animal Health Commission is modifying an infested zone in Pecos County while expanding surveillance.
- Officials urge hunters and landowners to inspect animals for suspicious wounds, foul-smelling discharge, or visible larvae. Anyone who suspects an infestation should contact the New Mexico Livestock Board immediately and avoid moving the animal.
- Federal agencies are releasing sterile flies to disrupt reproduction, a technique that previously eradicated the pest from North America. The USDA operates a 22,000-square-foot production facility in Mexico capable of producing up to 100 million flies.
15 Articles
15 Articles
New World Screwworm Detected in Hunter-Harvested Elk in Pecos County TPWD Encourages Hunter
TPWD Encourages Hunter Harvest Inspection, Reporting of Animals Affected by New World Screwworm AUSTIN — On Oct. 21, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a hunter-harvested female elk in Pecos County. A sample was collected from the elk and was identified and confirmed…
New World screwworm cases confirmed in wildlife in Texas, beef cow in New Mexico - Regional Media News
By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Oct 21 (Reuters) - The US Department of Agriculture said on Wednesday it confirmed the first detection of flesh-eating parasite New World screwworm in US wildlife in an elk in Pecos County, Texas, while New Mexico authorities separately said they confirmed [...]
New World screwworm confirmed in Otero County beef cow, NM expands surveillance
PIÑON, N.M. – New Mexico officials confirmed a New World screwworm case in an Otero County beef cow and set a 12.4-mile infested zone around the animal. State and federal officials said they are expanding surveillance and fly trapping around affected locations to look for more cases and see whether the pest spread beyond the affected animals. “We are working closely with our state and federal partners to investigate these cases, increase surveil…
Screwworm case confirmed in Otero County
Screwworm case confirmed in Otero County
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