U.S. to Release Sterile Flies to Fight Flesh-Eating Screwworms

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ramping up efforts to stop the spread of New World screwworms by releasing billions of sterile flies over southern Texas and Mexico. The screwworm’s larvae consume live flesh, posing a threat to livestock, pets, wildlife, and even humans. A sterile fly program—once used successfully in the 1960s—is being revived, with new fly breeding centers planned in Mexico and Texas. By releasing radiation-sterilized males into the wild, scientists aim to reduce the screwworm population over time. The USDA plans to invest nearly $30 million into new facilities to breed and distribute the flies. The threat recently reemerged in southern Mexico, prompting import restrictions and urgent action. This biocontrol method is seen as safer and more sustainable than pesticides.

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Source: AP News