AUSTIN \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
TPWD said hunters, landowners and wildlife professionals play a critical role in identifying potential infestations and helping officials monitor the parasite\u2019s spread.<\/p>\n
What hunters should look for<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to TPWD, hunters should watch for these potential signs of infestation in wildlife:<\/p>\n
Irritated or depressed behavior<\/p>\n
Loss of appetite<\/p>\n
Head shaking<\/p>\n
A smell of decaying flesh<\/p>\n
Fly larvae in wounds<\/p>\n
Animals isolating themselves from other animals or people<\/p>\n
After harvesting an animal, hunters should inspect its eyes, ears, nose, mouth, genitalia and other mucous membranes.<\/p>\n
Officials also recommend running your hands along the animal\u2019s body and checking its feet and between its toes for wounds that may have a foul smell or contain maggots.<\/p>\n
Hunters can watch TPWD\u2019s video on inspecting harvested animals for New World screwworm<\/a>.<\/p>\n How to report suspected New World screwworm<\/p>\n TPWD said early detection and reporting are critical to monitoring and managing the parasite.<\/p>\n Anyone who suspects a wild animal has a New World screwworm infestation should contact a local TPWD wildlife biologist or call 512-389-4505.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Hunters and landowners can find additional guidance in TPWD\u2019s New World Screwworm Guide for Hunters and Landowners<\/a>.<\/p>\n