New World screwworm parasite detected in US wildlife for the first time

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the New World screwworm parasite was detected in a deer shot by a hunter at a hunting ranch in Pecos County, Texas. With this development, the parasite has been found in US wildlife for the first time.

Following the incident, the Texas Animal Health Commission will redraw the previously established quarantined zone. The USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are conducting additional surveillance efforts in the area. Alan Cain, director of the Texas wildlife division, urged hunters and landowners to be vigilant against the parasite this season.

Erradicated in the US decades ago, this pest had advanced northward from Central America through Mexico. This situation led the Washington administration to ban cattle imports from Mexico for more than a year. Although trade resumed in August, dozens of cases—including a calf, a horse, and a dog—have been recorded in Texas during the year.