Hunters and ranchers enlisted in battle against spread of flesh-eating parasite

A flesh-eating parasite that can harm cattle was found in an elk in western Texas, prompting officials to ask hunters and ranchers to help stop its spread.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday that New World screwworm was found in an elk on a game ranch in Pecos County. A hunter reported the animal after killing it.

The USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are conducting additional wildlife surveillance, while the Texas Animal Health Commission plans to modify an existing infested zone.

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"Hunters and others who spend time outdoors near infested areas are often among the first people to encounter affected wildlife, making their observations especially valuable to surveillance and response efforts," the USDA said in a statement.

"As hunting seasons continue across Texas and other states, hunters are encouraged to stay alert for signs of NWS when observing, harvesting, or processing wildlife," it continued.

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It urged hunters to be on the lookout for visible maggots in wounds or body openings, open or enlarging wounds, foul-smelling injuries, and animals that appear weak or distressed, and to report anything suspicious promptly. Infection signs around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas also warrant attention, the agency added.

The TPWD urged hunters to inspect harvested animals before field dressing or moving them, and to also look out for irritated or depressed behavior, loss of appetite, head shaking, a smell of decaying flesh or unusual isolation in animals.

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New World screwworm was eliminated from the U.S. decades ago, but the parasite has been moving north through Central America and Mexico, Fox News Digital previously reported. Last year, the U.S. halted livestock imports from Mexico to keep it out. The pause lasted more than a year, straining cattle supply and contributing to record-high beef prices. Reopening began in stages in August.

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In June, officials confirmed the parasite in a Texas calf. They later found it in other animals, including a horse and a dog.

The Texas elk was the first confirmed U.S. wildlife case in the current outbreak. "The partnership between TPWD biologists and local hunters and landowners expedited the identification and confirmation of this new detection," Texas wildlife division director Alan Cain said in a statement.

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New Mexico authorities also reported screwworm in a beef cow this week and established an infested zone around the animal. Animals within that zone must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before being moved.

The parasite is a threat to animal health and meat production, but the USDA says it does not affect food safety, according to reports.

In a June statement, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association also said it was working with its state partners to combat screwworm, and praised federal eradication efforts including expanded fly surveillance, cattle treatments and sterile-fly releases. Fox News Digital has reached out to the group for an update.