By News Staff on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 TPWD Encourages Hunter Harvest Inspection, Reporting of Animals Affected by New World Screwworm Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentOn October 21, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received confirmation of a detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in a hunterharvested female elk in Pecos County.

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," said Alan Cain, Wildlife Division Director.