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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/hunters-and-ranchers-enlisted-in-battle-against-spread-of-flesh-eating-parasite/
- Published: 2026-10-24T14:51:35+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-24T15:11:20+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/hunters-ranchers-enlisted-battle-against-spread-flesh-eating-parasite
- Topics: Environment, Science, World

## Key points

- Screwworm was found in a Texas elk.
- It is the first confirmed U.S. wildlife case in this outbreak.
- Hunters and ranchers are being asked to report signs of infection.

## Summary

Officials have enlisted hunters and ranchers to help track New World screwworm after it was detected in an elk in Pecos County, western Texas. The finding marks the first confirmed case in U.S. wildlife during the current outbreak and has prompted increased surveillance.

The USDA and Texas wildlife authorities are asking people outdoors to report wounds containing maggots, foul smells or animals that appear weak or distressed. The parasite was eliminated from the United States decades ago but has moved north through Central America and Mexico; previous cases in Texas included a calf, horse and dog. Livestock imports from Mexico were paused for more than a year, contributing to pressure on cattle supplies and beef prices, though the USDA says screwworm does not affect food safety.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.