AUSTIN – A New World screwworm infestation has been confirmed in a hunter-harvested female elk in West Texas, prompting wildlife officials to urge hunters and landowners to watch for signs of the parasite as hunting season gets underway.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of the detection on Oct. 21. A sample collected from the elk was identified as New World screwworm at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville.
The Texas Animal Health Commission plans to modify a previously established infested zone, while the USDA and TPWD conduct additional wildlife surveillance in the area.
TPWD said hunters, landowners and wildlife professionals play a critical role in identifying potential infestations and helping officials monitor the parasite’s spread.
What hunters should look for
New World screwworm flies lay eggs in wounds or other openings in the body. Their larvae, or maggots, feed on living tissue and can cause serious damage to affected animals.
According to TPWD, hunters should watch for these potential signs of infestation in wildlife:
Irritated or depressed behavior
Loss of appetite
Head shaking
A smell of decaying flesh
Fly larvae in wounds
Animals isolating themselves from other animals or people
After harvesting an animal, hunters should inspect its eyes, ears, nose, mouth, genitalia and other mucous membranes.
Officials also recommend running your hands along the animal’s body and checking its feet and between its toes for wounds that may have a foul smell or contain maggots.
Hunters can watch TPWD’s video on inspecting harvested animals for New World screwworm.
How to report suspected New World screwworm
TPWD said early detection and reporting are critical to monitoring and managing the parasite.
Anyone who suspects a wild animal has a New World screwworm infestation should contact a local TPWD wildlife biologist or call 512-389-4505.
Suspected cases involving livestock or companion animals should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission through a regional office or by calling its veterinarian on call at 1-800-550-8242.
Hunters and landowners can find additional guidance in TPWD’s New World Screwworm Guide for Hunters and Landowners.
For more information, visit the state’s New World screwworm information page.
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