USDA Confirms First New World Screwworm Case in U.S. Wildlife, in Texas Elk

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday it confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in U.S. wildlife, found in an elk on a game ranch in Pecos County, Texas. The elk was reported after a hunter harvested it, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said. The USDA and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are conducting more wildlife surveillance in the area, and the Texas Animal Health Commission will modify a previously established infested zone. Officials urged hunters and landowners to watch for signs such as maggots in wounds, foul-smelling injuries and weak animals, and to report them promptly. In June, the USDA confirmed the parasite in a 3-week-old calf in Texas.

Straight Arrow News, the alternative source, focuses on the detection being the first case not involving livestock, in a parasite long eradicated in the U.S. CBS and The Guardian add detail on surveillance and background, with The Guardian covering the Mexican cattle import halt and record beef prices. The Washington Examiner stresses concern for the livestock industry and quotes the USDA on hunters' role. All sides report the same core facts.