Texas launches new bait to combat deadly screwworm flies
- Texas officials are deploying Swormlure-5 bait to attract and kill screwworm flies, using odor similar to open wounds.
- The initiative aims to prevent a widespread outbreak of the flesh-eating parasite that threatens livestock and wildlife.
- This proactive approach is based on previous successful elimination methods used in the 1970s.
On July 22, 2025, Texas officials announced a significant initiative to combat the invasive screwworm fly, a parasite known for its devastating effects on livestock and the potential to infest humans. The Texas Department of Agriculture will deploy a new bait called Swormlure-5, which is engineered to replicate the scent of open wounds, attracting and ultimately eliminating adult screwworm flies. This innovative solution builds on previously utilized methods from the 1970s when a similar approach successfully eradicated the parasite after its initial introduction in the 1960s. The screwworm fly is a major concern for those in agriculture and veterinary services, as the larvae infest warm-blooded animals, leading to severe tissue damage and often death without intervention. The strategy aims to proactively combat the threat to livestock and wildlife, emphasizing the importance of early action to prevent widespread outbreaks. Officials estimate that the bait will eliminate about 90% of the fly population in a two to four-week period. The remaining flies will be targeted through the release of sterile male flies, which do not fertilize eggs, thus further diminishing the population. Commissioner Sid Miller highlighted the effectiveness of the bait in reducing fly numbers, citing past successes and advancements in pest control technology. Research supports that deploying this synthetic attractant could significantly diminish parasitic infestations that jeopardize animal health. With proactive measures being put into place, the Texas Department of Agriculture is looking to mitigate risks associated with screwworm infestations before they escalate into more severe problems. In addition to the bait deployment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has also announced plans for aerial drops of sterile screwworm males slated to begin in the summer of next year. These drops will be concentrated in southern Texas and along the southern border, assisting in the ongoing efforts to disrupt the screwworm fly population and protect vulnerable livestock from potential infestation. By addressing the screwworm problem comprehensively, Texas officials are taking significant steps to safeguard the agricultural community from detrimental outcomes caused by this harmful pest.