First case of New World screwworm in U.S. wildlife confirmed in Texas elk, USDA says

October 21, 2026 / 8:01 PM EDT / CBS News

First case of New World screwworm in U.S. wildlife confirmed in Texas elk, USDA says

TL;DR

  • The first U.S. wildlife case of New World screwworm was found in an elk in Pecos County, Texas.
  • The elk was discovered on a game ranch after being harvested by a hunter.
  • Increased wildlife surveillance is underway by the USDA and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
  • Hunters are advised to look for signs of infection such as visible maggots, foul-smelling wounds, and distressed animals.
  • New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue.
  • While not a food safety concern, it can affect meat production.
  • The parasite, typically found in South America, has spread north into Central America and Mexico.