Latest news with #SterileInsectTechnique
Canada News.Net
6 days ago
- Science
- Canada News.Net
USDA revives insect warfare to protect livestock and wildlife
TOPEKA, Kansas: In a campaign that sounds more like a science fiction plot than public policy, the U.S. government is preparing to breed billions of sterile flies and release them from planes over Mexico and southern Texas. The objective? To combat the deadly New World screwworm — a flesh-eating maggot that threatens to wreak havoc on livestock, wildlife, and even household pets. Though bizarre, this approach has proven effective in the past. The targeted pest, the larval form of the New World screwworm fly, feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Female flies lay their eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes, and once hatched, the larvae burrow into flesh, causing severe pain, infection, and — if untreated — death. A single infestation can kill a 1,000-pound cow in under two weeks. To halt the fly's spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release millions of sterile male flies into the wild. These flies, irradiated to prevent fertility, mate with wild females, but no offspring are produced. Over time, the pest population collapses. "It's an exceptionally good technology," says Edwin Burgess, an entomologist at the University of Florida. "It's one of the great scientific solutions to a large-scale problem." This method of biological pest control — called the Sterile Insect Technique — was instrumental in eradicating screwworms from the U.S. and much of Central America by the late 20th century. A fly production facility in Panama, jointly operated by the U.S. and regional partners, has served as the front line of defense, keeping the flies contained in South America. But in late 2024, the screwworm reappeared in southern Mexico, triggering alarms. In response, the USDA plans to expand production by building a new fly factory in southern Mexico by July 2026. Meanwhile, a fly distribution center will open in Texas by the end of this year to receive sterile flies from Panama if needed. Historically, from 1962 to 1975, over 94 billion sterile flies were released in North America to drive the screwworm to extinction. One biological advantage makes this tactic potent: female screwworm flies mate only once in their short adult lives. Ensuring that the majority of them pair with sterile males effectively halts the reproductive cycle. Still, the risk is real and immediate. In May, the U.S. temporarily closed its southern border to live imports of cattle, horses, and bison. It may not reopen fully until September. The screwworm can infect any warm-blooded animal — including humans — and its return would be a devastating blow to the beef industry. Decades ago, the U.S. maintained fly-breeding facilities in Florida and Texas, but those closed after the screwworm was declared eradicated. Now, the USDA wants to scale up again, targeting production of up to 400 million sterile flies per week. This effort will involve US$8.5 million for the Texas distribution hub and $21 million to convert an old fruit fly facility in Mexico. Producing flies isn't as simple as it sounds. Females must be induced to lay eggs, and larvae need a nutritious diet. Past diets included mixtures of horse meat and honey, and later, blood plasma and egg powder. Once mature, the larvae — resembling dark brown Tic Tacs — are packed into sawdust trays to pupate. Even logistics carries risk. Last month, a plane distributing flies near Mexico's Guatemala border crashed, killing three crew members. Air drops, typically conducted with light aircraft, still use variations of mid-century methods — either paper cups or crates dispensed through mechanical devices. Experts warn that once the pest is again under control, the infrastructure should not be dismantled. "Declaring total victory is tempting," says Burgess, "but nature has a way of surprising us. A pest like this can always return."
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First Post
11-07-2025
- Science
- First Post
Flesh-eating pests are coming. US plans to counter them by releasing millions of flies from planes
The US government is planning to carry out a shocking plan in which they will take millions of sterile New World screwworm flies that they have bred in a facility and dump them over the US-Mexico border. The aim is to kill off the species, which is known to eat the flesh of cows and horses read more A worker holds two small containers of New World Screwworm fly pupae at a facility that breeds sterile flies in Pacora, Panama. The US plans to build another facility near the Mexico border too. COPEG/AP Picture this: Hundreds of millions of flies being dropped from planes. It sounds incredulous — almost like something from a horror movie. But, in fact, the US government actually plans on breeding flies and then dropping them from aircraft in efforts to eliminate a flesh-eating parasite that targets cows and cattle. US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on Wednesday (July 9) that the federal government would release millions of sterile male New World screwworm flies into the wild to mate with females and prevent them from laying the eggs. This plan —essentially fighting flies with flies — will help to protect the more than $100 billion US cattle and beef industry from the New World screwworm. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What do we know of this plan? How will it work? We get you all the answers. Fighting flies with flies The US plans to build a fly-breeding facility in Texas near the Mexico border at a cost of $8.5 million in order to combat the menace of New World screwworm (NWS) flies. The new US dispersal facility is expected to be located at the Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas. Interestingly, this will be the second such facility in the Western Hemisphere, joining one in Panama that had largely kept the flies from migrating further north until last year. 'The United States has defeated NWS before, and we will do it again,' Rollins was quoted as telling a news conference at the South Texas air base with other state and cattle industry officials. Federal officials state that the factory will propagate millions of sterile male screwworm flies and those will be released into the wild. These male flies will then seek fertile females and help prevent them from laying eggs. A worker uses a machine to mix food for the sterile fly breeding programme in Pacora, Panama. COPEG via AP But how will this plan work? The idea behind it is mass sterilisation. In the 1950s, the US government came up with the Sterile Insect Technique, a method that utilised radiation to sterilise male flies. These sterile males were then released into the wild wherein they mated with the female, resulting in unfertilised eggs. Female flies mate only once, so if they pair with a sterile fly, they will be unable to reproduce. No fertile eggs meant no more screwworms. The success of the programme — in 1966, the US officially eradicated the insect, protecting its cattle and beef industry — resulted in similar ones being created for mosquitoes too. As Edwin Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Florida who studies parasites in animals, told NBC News, 'It's an exceptionally good technology. It's an all-time great in terms of translating science to solve some kind of large problem.' Additionally, it is also more effective and environmentally friendly than spraying copious amounts of pesticide into the air to eradicate this pest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD About the 'flesh eater' New World Screwworm flies New World Screwworms, scientifically known as cochliomyia hominivorax, is a devastating pest. It draws its name — screwworm — owing to its feeding behaviour as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go like a screw being driven into wood. According to Dr Phillip Kaufman, a professor and head of the department of entomology at Texas A&M University, what sets them apart from other flies is that they feed on the flesh of living animals — mostly cows and horses — rather than dead ones. An adult New World screwworm fly sits at rest in this undated photo. AP In some cases, New World Screwworm flies have infected domestic pets and even humans. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that individuals in the affected areas who 'spend time among livestock animals, sleep outdoors and have an open wound are at greater risk of becoming infested with [New World Screwworms].' They are endemic to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and some South American countries. Experts note that these flies cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts' tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can become larger and deepen as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue. As a result, NWS can cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal. In drastic situations, the flies can also kill an animal in a matter of one to two weeks and spread to others, posing a threat to the livelihood of ranchers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dr. Michael Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, even told USA Today, 'This can kill a 1,000-pound cow in two weeks.' New infestation moving towards the US Since 2022, years after its eradication from the US, the New World screwworm has once again spread northwards through several countries in Central America. Cases exploded in Panama in 2023 and the fly had reached Mexico by November 2024. American cattle is at risk of the screwworm flies. AP Scientists have said that there are a number of reasons for this — higher temperatures enhancing fly development and survival, and the possibility that females are adapting their sexual behaviour to avoid sterile males. Around 17 million cattle are now at risk in Central America, but the worse is yet to come. Mexico has twice as many cattle, and the spread towards the US continues, where around 14 million cattle would be at risk in Texas and Florida alone. In fact, the US has responded by restricting live animal imports from Mexico, a move denounced by President Claudia Sheinbaum. She said that fears of the worm were overblown, pointing out that a single case in the eastern state of Veracruz had prompted the import pause. 'From our point of view, it is a totally exaggerated decision to close the border again,' Sheinbaum said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Mail
US government to release billions of flies into Mexico to stop flesh-eating insects from crossing border
Scientists are preparing to breed and drop billions of flies on Mexico to halt a flesh-eating parasite from crossing the border. The Trump Administration is leading the effort to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm, which was eradicated in the US over 40 years ago but resurfaced in Mexico in late 2024. According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the scientific name for the parasite, Cochliomyia hominivorax, roughly translates to 'man-eater.' This parasite lays its eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals, causing tissue damage and often kills livestock within two weeks if left untreated. Scientists will use a proven method called the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in which male screwworm flies will be irradiated to make them sterile, then released by planes across southern Mexico and parts of Texas starting in mid-2025. These sterile flies will mate with wild females, preventing reproduction and gradually reducing the population over time. Edwin Burgess, an assistant professor at the University of Florida who studies parasites, said: 'It's an all-time great in terms of translating science to solve some kind of large problem.' A breeding hub in southern Texas is set to open by the end of 2025, with a major facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to be completed by July 2026. While a fly factory in Panama produces 117 million flies per week, the USDA is ramping up efforts, aiming for 400 million flies weekly by leveraging new plants in Texas and Mexico. Leading the charge domestically, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is collaborating with Panamanian officials, Texas A&M, the University of Florida, Kansas State University, and Mexican authorities. To support these ambitious goals, officials are investing $8.5 million in Texas and $21 million in Mexico to convert facilities into fruit fly plants. Experts warn that the ripple effects of a screwworm invasion could be severe, resulting in mass livestock losses, skyrocketing beef and dairy prices, and deepening food supply instability. Female screwworms can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, and more than 3,000 in their short lives. Infections can be visible as wriggling maggots on the surface of the skin. The larvae bore into live tissue, feeding on the flesh and deepening wounds that quickly become infected. The USDA describes the maggots as resembling 'tiny, white screws' that burrow deeper over time using hook-like mouths. Officials warn that if the infestation spreads unchecked, it could devastate cattle herds across the southern US, especially in states like Texas, which holds 14 percent of the country's cattle. The USDA stated in a press release: 'When NWS fly larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal.' The US has also approved $165 million in additional emergency funds for enhanced surveillance, stockpiles, quarantine pens, and border safeguards. SIT was first tested in the 1950s on Curaçao, then scaled for America's eradication campaigns of the 1960s through 1970s. This eco-friendly tactic succeeded without insecticide sprays. Some experts caution that while SIT is species-specific and non-toxic, making it unlikely to be weaponized, it still carries risks. The recent crash of a plane releasing sterile flies near Guatemala, which killed three people, highlights that even non-chemical methods carry serious real-world dangers. According to USDA scientists, fly larvae in the wild drop from their hosts after feeding, burrow into the soil, and pupate. In the lab, they are moved to sawdust trays where they mature into adults, each resembling a dark brown Tic-Tac mint before hatching. But raising hundreds of millions of flies is not simple. Flies require precise conditions to reproduce. ' Cassandra Olds, an entomologist at Kansas State, said: 'You've got to give the female the cues that she needs to lay her eggs, and then the larvae have to have enough nutrients.' 'Feed typically includes egg powder, cattle blood plasma, and molasses,' she added. The New World Screwworm first broke through containment in Panama's Darién Gap in 2022, an area where over 1.2 million migrants headed for the US crossed in recent years. The same route may have helped transport infected livestock or injured animals that enabled the parasite to spread northward. As of June 2024, screwworms have been found just 500 miles from the US border. Models predict that by 2055, the parasite could infest Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, and even California, due to warming temperatures that allow it to survive year-round. 'Something we think we have complete control over, and we've declared victory over, can always rear its ugly head again,' said Burgess.
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
US attack on Iran triggers concern over nuclear regulation
— Renuka The attacks by the US on Iran's three nuclear sites – Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow – have triggered numerous concerns, including the risk of radiation leaks, with the UN's nuclear watchdog saying that craters caused by ground-penetrating US bombs were visible at Fordow. The attacks – the first on any country's operational nuclear facilities – serve as a stark reminder of the double-edged nature of nuclear technology, and underline the need to revisit its development and regulation both at national and international levels. But first, let's understand nuclear technology. Nuclear technology is one of the few innovations that have changed the modern world profoundly and controversially. It involves harnessing nuclear reactions of atomic nuclei through the processes of nuclear fission and fusion. Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei. It is also associated with the process of radioactive decay as heavier nuclear elements decay into lighter ones. In contrast, nuclear fusion is considered a process of creation as it involves the formation of a new, heavier atomic nucleus from the merger of two lighter and smaller nuclei. Both processes release a huge amount of energy. While the practical application of nuclear fusion is still under research, nuclear fission has been harnessed for destructive as well as constructive purposes since its discovery in 1938 by Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann. The first practical application of nuclear fission was the creation of nuclear weapons using Uranium and Plutonium by the US under the Manhattan Project. These weapons were used in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, which led to the beginning of the 'nuclear or atomic age'. The unprecedented destruction in the Japanese cities led to an international push to redirect nuclear technology towards peaceful and constructive purposes. Today, nuclear technology stands at a critical crossroads where its potential benefits are immense while risks associated with it, especially nuclear weapons and its misuse, are a vital concern. Some of its benefits include the following: Energy security and industrial applications – Nuclear technology provides reliable, long-term, and high-capacity electricity with a low-carbon option. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) 2024 report, as of December 2023, global nuclear power capacity stood at 392 gigawatts (GW), generated from approximately 440 reactors. In addition to electricity generation, nuclear energy is used in industrial processes such as district heating and desalination. Food and agriculture – Nuclear technology also improves agriculture and food security by enabling early detection of animal disease, optimising soil and water use, and controlling pests through environmentally friendly techniques such as Sterile Insect Technique. Apart from this, techniques such as irradiation can enhance crop resilience and ensure food safety. Healthcare system – Nuclear technology, especially through the field of nuclear medicine, has made vital contributions to the healthcare system. Imaging techniques like Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), and targeted treatment such as radiotherapy and radioisotope therapy are used in cancer diagnosis and care. Military strategy – Nuclear technology also plays a role in the military strategy of 'deterrence', helps in maintaining strategic stability, and provides political leverage. These factors largely reduce the likelihood of nuclear or large-scale wars. Climate goals – Being a low-carbon option, nuclear technology has the potential to help the world in achieving its climate goals. Considering this, 22 countries (now 31) launched a declaration at COP 28 to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. In addition to its low carbon footprints, nuclear energy produces more electricity on less land compared to some other renewable energy sources. The international regulation of nuclear technology started in 1957 with the establishment of the IAEA as an intergovernmental forum for the peaceful use of nuclear technology. In 1970, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entered into force with the main objectives of non-proliferation, disarmament, and the promotion of peaceful use of nuclear technology. It grants Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS) the inalienable right to develop and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in exchange for their commitment to abstain from acquiring nuclear weapons. Another notable treaty is the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, which is a multilateral agreement that bans all nuclear explosions for any purpose in all environments. In 2021, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons entered into force, banning all nuclear weapon-related activities, including development, testing, production, possession, use, and threat of use. The other significant international arrangements are the Zangger Committee (Non-Proliferation Treaty Exporter Committee) – which maintains a 'trigger list' of special fissionable materials – and the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG), established in 1975 which is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The other significant international arrangements are the Zangger Committee (Non-Proliferation Treaty Exporter Committee), and the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG), established in 1975. The former maintains a 'trigger list' of special fissionable materials, while the latter is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to contribute to the prevention of nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials, equipment, and technology. India's nuclear programme was developed in 1954 as a unique three-stage strategy aimed at efficiently utilising its limited uranium and abundant thorium reserves through a sequence of advanced nuclear technologies. The three-stage nuclear programme begins with Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium. The second stage involves Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR) fueled by plutonium and uranium-238 extracted from reprocessed spent fuel. The third stage focuses on advanced reactors designed to harness thorium and aims to achieve long-term energy self-sufficiency. Currently, the first stage of India's nuclear programme using PHWRs has achieved commercial maturity. The second stage commenced in 2024 with the development of India's first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. The reactor would use thorium along with uranium, thereby harnessing the country's vast reserve of thorium. In the budget 2025-2026, the government introduced the 'Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat' and allocated Rs. 20,000 crores. The mission focuses on the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which will help India achieve its goal of 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 in a safer and sustainable way. For this, the government is collaborating with private sector entities and signing civil nuclear deals with countries like the US, Russia and France. India has a comprehensive legal framework to regulate nuclear technology. Under the Constitution of India, 'atomic energy' falls under the Union List, conferring exclusive power on the central government to legislate on the subject. In 1954, the Department of Atomic Energy was established, which is governed by the Atomic Energy Commission, the key policy body for nuclear energy in India. To strengthen nuclear regulation, the Atomic Energy Act 1962 (which replaced the Atomic Energy Act 1957) was enacted, vesting the central government with the power to produce, develop, use and dispose of atomic energy. It also confers vast power on the government to implement the act by making rules and setting up bodies. Exercising these powers, the central government has enacted rules on radiation protection and waste management. It also established the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, which oversees and enforces nuclear safety regulations in India. In addition to this, the Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is responsible for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants. Considering the potential damages related to nuclear operations, the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act was enacted in 2010, which imposes strict liability for any damage on the operators, regardless of fault. Though nuclear technology is widely regarded as a clean technology with numerous benefits, it is not without significant challenges. Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima underscore the need for strict nuclear safety measures. Also, health risks associated with uranium mining and radioactive waste remain persistent concerns in the pursuit of nuclear technology. Furthermore, in developing countries like India, the usage of nuclear technology in sectors like agriculture and medicine is still at its nascent stage and requires substantial investment in research and development. Nevertheless, by adopting responsible policies, stringent safety protocols and international co-operation, nuclear technology can be harnessed to meet the world's energy demands and drive scientific progress in a safe and sustainable manner. What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion in terms of process and energy output? What are the key goals of India's three-stage nuclear power programme? Discuss the key benefits of Small Modular Reactors. How can nuclear energy contribute to achieving global climate targets like net-zero emissions? What are the risks associated with nuclear energy, and how can they be mitigated through policy and regulation? What role does the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) play in regulating the peaceful use of nuclear energy? (Renuka is a Doctoral researcher at Himachal Pradesh National law university, Shimla.) 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Newsweek
23-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
How a Favored Migrant Route Became Invasive Species Superhighway to US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Darién Gap, long a perilous route for millions of migrants traveling north toward the United States, has also become a pathway for the northward spread of the New World screwworm—a parasitic fly now challenging decades of containment efforts. The flesh-eating fly, whose larvae burrow into the wounds of living animals, has surged north through Central America since 2022, recently reaching the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Veracruz—roughly 700 miles from the Texas border. Scientists and federal officials now warn that the screwworm could cross into the U.S. as early as this summer if containment efforts falter. For decades, the United States and Panama maintained a bi-national barrier to block the parasite at the Darién, using a program that dropped millions of sterilized screwworm flies over the jungle to prevent breeding. That system began unraveling in 2022, amid pandemic-era supply-chain disruptions and record human and animal movement through the region. Aerial view showing migrants walking through the jungle near Bajo Chiquito village, the first border control of the Darien Province in Panama, on September 22, 2023. The clandestine journey through the Darien Gap usually lasts... Aerial view showing migrants walking through the jungle near Bajo Chiquito village, the first border control of the Darien Province in Panama, on September 22, 2023. The clandestine journey through the Darien Gap usually lasts five or six days, at the mercy of all kinds of bad weather. More than 390,000 migrants have entered Panama through this jungle so far this year, far more than in all of 2022, when there were 248,000, according to official Panamanian data. More Photo by Luis ACOSTA / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images Between 2021 and 2024, more than 1.2 million migrants crossed the Darién, according to data from Panama's National Migration Service and UNHCR. The crossings peaked at 520,000 in 2023 before falling to 302,000 in 2024. U.S. officials believe that mass movement contributed to operational breakdowns in the region's screwworm control infrastructure. "There are many challenges in this containment and eradication program," Phillip Kaufman, a professor of entomology at Texas A&M University, said in an interview with Newsweek. "Producing sufficient numbers of sterile flies and getting them released in the correct places and at the right time is critical. If the flies move further north than the isthmus in southern Mexico, it becomes more and more challenging to contain them." The screwworm, scientifically known as Cochliomyia hominivorax — roughly translated as "man-eater"—was eradicated from the U.S. by 1982 using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which involves releasing sterilized male flies to prevent reproduction and collapse the population. The parasite targets livestock, wildlife, pets — and occasionally humans — by burrowing into open wounds. Infected animals are once again being found in areas previously considered screwworm-free, triggering emergency responses from both governments. Human and Animal Migration a Factor Though the vast majority of screwworm cases are in livestock, human infections have surged in the wake of the parasite's northward spread. Nicaragua reported 30 human cases by February 2025. Costa Rica saw 42 confirmed cases between January and May, including two deaths. Honduras recorded 40 cases and three deaths, while Guatemala and Mexico have also reported infections. In humans, the infestation—known as myiasis—typically occurs in individuals with untreated wounds, particularly those living in rural areas or sleeping outdoors. Treatment often requires surgical removal of larvae and follow-up care to prevent secondary infection or tissue loss. While the root causes of the screwworm's northward march remain under study, scientists suspect a combination of human migration, illegal animal movement and weather patterns. Migrants walk by the jungle near Bajo Chiquito village, the first border control of the Darien Province in Panama, on September 22, 2023. The clandestine journey through the Darien Gap usually lasts five or six... Migrants walk by the jungle near Bajo Chiquito village, the first border control of the Darien Province in Panama, on September 22, 2023. The clandestine journey through the Darien Gap usually lasts five or six days, at the mercy of all kinds of bad weather. More LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images "Additional movement of animals and humans has helped facilitate the expansion of the flies' location," Sonja Swiger, a professor and extension specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife, told Newsweek. "This includes both the moving of infested animals unknowingly and by disrupting the operations of COPEG to release SIT flies in the area." A Department of Agriculture (USDA) spokesperson told Newsweek the disruption was caused "both by the movement of infested animals unknowingly and by interference with COPEG's operations to release sterile flies in the area." The USDA said it is working with regional governments to strengthen veterinary inspections and education. But officials noted that controlling illegal livestock movement often falls under national security, making enforcement more complex. "We have raised this concern directly with officials in each affected country," a USDA official told Newsweek. "While regional governments acknowledge that uncontrolled animal and human movement undermines containment efforts, monitoring and controlling this activity is complex." Recent enforcement appears to be having an effect. Under President Donald Trump's return to office in early 2025, crossings through the Darién fell sharply. Only 408 people crossed in February, and just 194 in March, effectively emptying camps along once-overrun migration routes, including Lajas Blancas. Risk of Reintroduction U.S. officials suspended live animal imports from Mexico in May after screwworm detections in cattle. The USDA has invested $21 million to retrofit a Mexican fruit-fly production facility in Metapa to manufacture an additional 60 to 100 million sterile screwworms weekly. That would double current output from a long-operating facility in Panama, which has been running at capacity. "Should the screwworm continue moving north, having access to many more flies than the existing facility in Panama can produce will be important to protect U.S. agriculture," a USDA spokesperson told Newsweek. "We are exploring possible options for increasing our capacity to produce these sterile insects, which could include a facility here in the United States." Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins looks on as President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on April 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins looks on as President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House on April 9, 2025, in Washington, U.S. government now plans to open a second sterile fly production center in Texas by the end of 2025. Located at Moore Air Base, less than 20 miles from the Mexican border, the $8.5 million facility would eventually produce up to 300 million flies per week. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on Wednesday the move is necessary to "protect the American cattle herd from the devastating threat of New World screwworm." Texas alone houses 12 million cattle and calves—more than any other U.S. state—part of a thriving livestock industry valued at $15 billion. If screwworms re-enter Texas, the economic losses could be staggering. A USDA model projects that a statewide outbreak could cost producers $732 million annually and trigger $1.8 billion in broader economic costs. Nationwide, screwworm eradication since the 1960s has saved the livestock industry over $1.5 billion per year. "These are not speculative numbers—they reflect the hard-earned lessons from the last century," Kaufman, the entomology professor, said. A Long Road to Re-Eradication Despite new investment, containment is already slipping. "It is going to take a long time to put this genie back in the bottle," Andrew Short, chair of the entomology department at the University of Florida, said in an interview with Newsweek. "We do not have good means of monitoring for screwworm aside from looking for already-infected animals." Short called for urgent improvements. "We desperately need better trapping and surveillance methods to complement animal inspections," he added. The sterile insect technique remains a cornerstone of eradication efforts, but experts say new technologies are in development to improve its efficiency. One potential breakthrough is a genetically modified strain that eliminates female flies during production, allowing for twice the output of sterilized males. Cows are seen standing in a feedlot on June 14, 2023 in Quemado, Texas. Cows are seen standing in a feedlot on June 14, 2023 in Quemado, Texas."This is done by preventing the development of the female flies when they are mass produced," Kaufman explained. "The result is near doubling of the production of flies in the sterile fly production facility." The USDA said it would consider building a companion fly-breeding center alongside the new Texas facility, joining existing sites in Panama and Mexico. Together, these could generate as many as 500 million sterile flies per week to outnumber and outcompete wild screwworms. Despite the costs of containment, USDA economists estimate that maintaining the eradication program delivers annual economic benefits exceeding $1 billion—far outweighing the expense of operations like the COPEG fly factory in Panama. In contrast, responding reactively to an outbreak, rather than preventing it, could drain public and private resources for decades.
