US officials scramble to contain flesh-eating screwworm after the parasite was found in wildlife for the first time

The infected elk was shot by a hunter on a game ranch in Pecos County, Texas. Hours later, a beef cow in Otero County, New Mexico, was also found to have the parasite. Officials there have established a 12.4-mile infested zone, requiring animals to be inspected and treated before any movement. The USDA and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are now intensifying surveillance across the region.

Hunters are told to watch for maggots in wounds and foul-smelling injuries.

A year-long ban on Mexican cattle pushed US beef prices to record highs.

Last year brought the first confirmed human case in the US, with the patient going on to make a full recovery.