Millions of Sterile Screwworm Flies to Be Air-Dropped Across US in Historic Pest Control Campaign
In a bold and innovative approach to pest management, federal authorities have announced plans to breed and release millions of sterile New World screwworm flies from airplanes over targeted regions of the United States. This large-scale aerial release, set to commence in 2024, aims to eradicate the damaging screwworm infestation that threatens livestock health and the agricultural economy. The New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a parasitic pest notorious for laying eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, deer, and even humans. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on living tissue, causing severe tissue damage,












