Officials confirm flesh-eating New World screwworm parasite found in US wildlife

The Guardian UK Wednesday 21 October 2026, 23:36 UTC By Guardian staff and agency 1 min read

Key Points

USDA says screwworm found in elk in Texas, and warns hunters and ranchers to be vigilant to help stop spreadThe US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Wednesday it had ⁠confirmed the ⁠first detection of flesh-eating parasite the New World screwworm in US wildlife in an ⁠elk in Pecos county, Texas. The elk was located on a game ⁠ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter, the ‌USDA said ‌in a statement.

USDA says screwworm found in elk in Texas, and warns hunters and ranchers to be vigilant to help stop spread

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Wednesday it had ⁠confirmed the ⁠first detection of flesh-eating parasite the New World screwworm in US wildlife in an ⁠elk in Pecos county, Texas.

The elk was located on a game ⁠ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter, the ‌USDA said ‌in a statement.

US (LOCATION) USDA (ORG) Texas (LOCATION) spreadThe US Department of Agriculture (USDA (ORG) of (ORG) Pecos county (LOCATION) ⁠ranch (ORG) a (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Oven Mountain pumped hydro scheme abandoned by Alinta Energy In brief: Alinta Energy has withdrawn plans to build a $1.8 billion pumped hydro energy storage project in northern NSW. The decision comes after Origin Energy scrapped its proposed 870 megawatt Skye Ridge Wind Farm near Walcha earlier this month.

ABC Australia 44m ago

Sperm whale stranded near Devonport in Tasmania's north-west

A large sperm whale is stranded in shallow waters at Turners Beach, west of Devonport, in Tasmania's north-west. A local says rangers are present and keeping people out of the waters amid concerns about sharks. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment says it is responding to the incident.

ABC Australia 2h ago