# First screwworm found in U.S. wildlife

> A parasitic fly that eats living tissue has been detected in a Texas elk, marking the first case in American wildlife.
- Title: First screwworm found in U.S. wildlife · Cbsnews | Shortify
- Summary: A parasitic fly that eats living tissue has been detected in a Texas elk, marking the first case in American wildlife. The U.S. Department of Agriculture…
- Keywords: new world screwworm, texas, usda, wildlife, parasitic fly, disease detection, news, First, screwworm, found, Cbsnews
- Source: Cbsnews — https://cbsnews.com/news/new-world-screwworm-wildlife-texas-elk-usda
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new world screwworm, texas, usda, wildlife, parasitic fly, disease detection, news
## Screwworm found in Texas elk
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the first case of New World screwworm in U.S. wildlife has been found in an elk on a game ranch in Pecos County, Texas.
## What the parasite does
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs in open wounds or body openings of warm-blooded animals. Once hatched, the larvae feed on living tissue.
## Hunters told to watch for signs
Officials urged hunters to watch for visible maggots in wounds, foul-smelling injuries, weak or distressed animals, and infestations around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes or genital areas. Anyone noticing suspicious signs should report them immediately.
## Key takeaway

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the first New World screwworm in American wildlife, found in a Texas elk, prompting expanded surveillance and hunter alerts.