Screwworm found in hunter-harvested Texas elk, first detection in U.S. wildlife, USDA says

As of 12:54 a.m. ET, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said it received confirmation on Wednesday, Oct. 21, of a detection of New World screwworm in a hunter-harvested female elk in Pecos County, Texas. A sample collected from the elk was identified and confirmed as New World screwworm at the ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, the department said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service said it has confirmed "the first detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in wildlife in the United States." The elk "was located on a game ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter," the agency said.

"We encourage all hunters and landowners to be vigilant for signs of New World screwworm while they are out in the field this season," said Alan Cain, the department's Wildlife Division director. "The partnership between TPWD biologists and local hunters and landowners expedited the identification and confirmation of this new detection."

Infested zone and surveillance

The USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are conducting additional wildlife surveillance in the area, both agencies said.

The Texas Animal Health Commission issued an order signed Oct. 21 that designates areas of Pecos and Terrell counties as Infested Zone 08.B, citing the elk detection. The order replaces an Aug. 5 order that established Infested Zone 08.A after screwworm was detected in a sheep in Terrell County. The original Infested Zone 08 was established on June 22, after a detection in a goat in Terrell County, according to the order.

Under the order, which took effect immediately, warm-blooded animals in Infested Zone 08.B may not be moved outside the zone without prior authorization from the commission. To leave the zone, an animal must be inspected and treated as the commission requires and issued a permit or certificate for movement by a commission representative. Hides, carcasses and parts of any animal capable of serving as a host for the pest must be inspected, and treated if a commission representative deems it necessary, before removal from the zone. The order says unauthorized movement is prohibited and subject to administrative penalties or criminal prosecution.

What hunters are asked to do

With hunting season under way across Texas, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department encouraged hunters to inspect their harvest before field dressing or moving the carcass. Signs of infestation it listed include irritated or depressed behavior, loss of appetite, head shaking, the smell of decaying flesh, fly larvae in wounds and isolation from other animals or people.

The department asked hunters to check the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, genitalia and mucous membranes of harvested animals, and to feel along the body, feet and between the toes for wounds with a foul smell or maggots. It said suspected wildlife cases should be reported to a local department wildlife biologist or by calling 512-389-4505, and suspected cases in livestock and companion animals to the Texas Animal Health Commission's regional offices or its Veterinarian on Call line at 1-800-550-8242.

The USDA said hunters and others who spend time outdoors near infested areas "are often among the first people to encounter affected wildlife." It urged hunters in Texas and other states to watch for visible maggots in wounds or body openings, open, draining or enlarging wounds, foul-smelling injuries, animals that appear weak, lethargic, isolated or in distress, and signs of infestation around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas.

What is not known

When the elk was harvested. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says only that it received confirmation of the detection on Oct. 21.

Whether the pest has been found in other wildlife in the area. The USDA and the department say they are conducting additional wildlife surveillance in the area.

How long the movement restrictions will last. The Texas Animal Health Commission's order says it will remain in effect until the quarantine is released by the commission.