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.AMERICA'S BEEF SUPPLY SHRINKS AS CATTLE FARMER WARNS 'THE NUMBERS ARE JUST NOT HERE ANYMORE'"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.Texas officials are urging hunters and ranchers to watch for signs of New World screwworm as the parasite spreads north.(San Antonio Express-News via Getty Images)"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.PRICE OF ONE GRILLING STAPLE REMAINS AT RECORD HIGH AS BEEF LOVERS ADAPTIt 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.Officials confirmed New World screwworm in an elk in Pecos County, Texas, the first U.S.wildlife case in the current outbreak; the parasite has also been found in cattle in Texas and New Mexico.
(Fernando Llano/AP Photo)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 sha...