New World screwworm’s risk for the wildlife population

New World Screwworm's Risk to Wildlife Population

Field Editor Lacey Vilhauer spoke with Kory Gann, from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, about the impact of New World Screwworm (NWS) on wildlife and how hunters can help monitor this parasitic threat.

Although NWS has been largely discussed as a concern for the cattle industry, it also poses a threat to the wildlife and big game industry. Texas wildlife officials are particularly concerned due to the state's proximity to the Southern Border and Mexico, where NWS has been detected.

“Hunting in Texas is extremely important economically, and we’ve got the rural economies that depend on it,”

said Kory Gann, big game program director with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. White-tail deer hunting is a $9.6 billion industry in Texas, with 753,000 hunters harvesting 837,000 whitetails in the state last year. Deer, like cattle, are prime hosts for NWS.

Author's summary: New World Screwworm poses a significant threat to Texas wildlife.

NWS affects cattle and deer populations.
Hunters can help monitor the parasitic threat.
Wildlife officials are concerned due to Texas' proximity to NWS detections.

High Plains Journal — 2025-10-31

New World Screwworm's Risk to Wildlife Population

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