U.S. and Texas animal-health officials are expanding wildlife surveillance after New World screwworm was confirmed in an elk in western Texas.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said it received laboratory confirmation on October 21 from a sample taken from a hunter-harvested female elk in Pecos County. USDA said the animal was on a game ranch.

The Texas Animal Health Commission will revise an existing infested zone, while federal and state officials conduct additional monitoring in the surrounding area. The releases do not establish how extensively the parasite is circulating in wildlife.

New World screwworm is a parasitic fly. Texas wildlife guidance explains that its larvae feed on living tissue, making early detection important for wildlife, livestock and pets.

Officials are asking hunters and landowners in affected areas to watch for abnormal wounds, visible larvae or animals showing distress, and to report suspected cases to wildlife or animal-health authorities. Texas also urges hunters to inspect harvested animals before processing or moving them.

Sources: USDA announcement, listed October 21, 2026; Texas Parks and Wildlife release, October 21; Texas wildlife guidance.