US prepares to drop billions of flies to combat flesh-eating pest
- The U.S. government is ramping up plans to breed and drop billions of flies to combat the New World Screwworm larva.
- This initiative follows the successful implementation of sterile fly techniques used from 1962 to 1975 to eradicate the pest in the U.S.
- The current strategy emphasizes breeding sterile flies as a more effective and environmentally friendly solution compared to traditional pest control methods.
In an effort to combat a significant agricultural threat, the U.S. government is initiating a plan to breed and release billions of New World Screwworm flies. This is an important step in protecting the U.S. beef industry from a deadly pest that recently reemerged in southern Mexico. The USDA plans to employ a method that has been effective in the past, involving the release of sterilized male flies that will prevent mating with wild females and ultimately diminish the screwworm population over time. The New World Screwworm larva, which feeds on living tissue, poses severe risks not only to livestock but also to pets and wildlife. The pest appeared in southern Mexico late last year, prompting urgent action to prevent its spread into the U.S. The government previously eradicated this pest from the region through a similar sterilization strategy, releasing over 94 billion sterile flies between 1962 and 1975. This previous success further encourages the current approach. A new facility dedicated to breeding sterile screwworm flies is anticipated to be operational by July 2026 in southern Mexico, while a distribution center is set to open in southern Texas by the end of this year. The USDA plans to invest substantially in these initiatives, reportedly allocating $8.5 million for the Texas site and $21 million to convert an existing fruit fly breeding facility in Mexico for screwworm breeding. Raising flies, despite its challenges, is considered manageable by experts, as it primarily involves ensuring the appropriate conditions for breeding and development. Effective treatments for infested animals exist, but the goal remains to eliminate the pest before it inflicts damage, highlighting the urgency and importance of this endeavor for the agricultural community.