CHICAGO/MEXICO CITY - Samples of an unconfirmed infestation of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite on a cattle ranch in La Pryor, Texas, have been sent to a federal government lab in Iowa to be tested, Texas Representative Don McLaughlin said on June 3.

The samples were taken from two calves on the same ranch on June 2, McLaughlin said, adding that he had seen photos and videos of the animals.

Widespread market chatter about the suspected case hung over cattle futures, which traders said have long been sensitive to threats of New World screwworm.

The parasite has been moving north through Mexico for more than a year.

Market players believe a screwworm infestation in the US could reduce demand for beef from consumers nervous about the flesh-eating pest but would be bullish in the long term by reducing the US cattle supply.

The photo, seen by Reuters, shows multiple larvae resembling the screwworm inside a bloody circular wound on an animal.