An elk killed by a hunter in Texas has revealed the first confirmed United States wildlife case of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite whose spread has already disrupted cattle trade and driven up beef prices.
Here's what to know
The report followed the hunt. The elk was found on a game ranch in Pecos County, according to The Guardian.
Domestic animals had already been found infected before the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed this first known case in wildlife.
Dozens of U.S. cases have been identified, including infections in a horse and a dog. A June detection involved a calf in Zavala County, near the U.S.-Mexico border.
More background
Renewed restrictions on livestock crossing the border have followed the parasite's advance from Central America through Mexico. The Guardian reported that the United States had eliminated New World screwworm.
To keep the parasite out, Washington banned Mexican cattle imports for more than a year. Trade resumed through an Arizona port in August under a phased reopening plan.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
The halt in imports tightened U.S. cattle supplies, pushing beef prices to unprecedented levels for American shoppers.
What's being done?
The boundaries of an existing infestation zone are set to change in response to the Pecos County detection. The USDA said the Texas Animal Health Commission plans to make that adjustment, according to The Guardian.
Wild animals in the area are receiving closer monitoring through expanded efforts by the USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
"We encourage all hunters and landowners to be vigilant for signs of New World screwworm while they are out in the field this season," Alan Cain, Texas wildlife division director, said in a statement, per The Guardian.
Where can I learn more?
Monitoring wildlife is part of the response to screwworm's spread in Texas as well as infestations elsewhere.
• Texas' screwworm count reached 49 as the USDA warned the threat remained.
• Texas released 700 million sterile flies to help stop the flesh-eating screwworm's spread.
• In southern Ontario, flies circling a groundhog's tail left observers questioning the cause.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
