Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has confirmed a detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a hunter-harvested female elk in Pecos County.

TPWD shared that on Thursday, October 21, a sample was collected from the elk and was identified and confirmed as NWS at the ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville.

This detection highlights the critical role hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife professionals play in helping detect and manage the spread of NWS."We encourage all hunters and landowners to be vigilant for signs of New World screwworm while they are out in the field this season. The partnership between TPWD biologists and local hunters and landowners expedited the identification and confirmation of this new detection."Alan Cain, Wildlife Division DirectorWith hunting season kicking off across Texas, all hunters are encouraged to inspect their harvest before field dressing or moving the carcass.