Sterile Screwworm Flies Have Been Released To Combat Parasite

As an invasive flesh-eating parasite moves its way closer to Texas, the United States has recognized the threat to cattle. In order to combat the possible impact on the meat supply, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released sterile screwworm flies in order to combat the parasite.

Bird Flu May Have Disappeared, But A Parasite “Screwworm” Has Come For The Beef

The screwworm lays eggs in open wounds, eyes, and nostrils, usually affecting cows and calves, but pets and humans can also be vulnerable. Once infected, animals can die within three days without treatment.

Mexico has started training dogs to sniff out the screwworm, while the U.S. is using sterile flies. It’s too soon to say which will be more effective in combating the parasite. Senasica’s Canine Trainer Center, Ceacan, has recruited rescue dogs for a three-month intensive training program, teaching the canines how to sniff out and detect the New World screwworm larvae within the open wounds of livestock or agricultural products, according to The Straits Times.

Dogs Are Being Trained To “Sniff Out” A Screwworm Parasite In Cattle

The U.S. is warning farmers and animal owners to remain “vigilant” as the screwworm infestation increases in possibility.

Rulers in the U.S. government have also launched tactics to protect against the potential New World screwworm infestations, including a fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas, costing $8.5 million. This plan is said to “enhance the USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest.”

The plan in the U.S. to sterilize male screwworm flies with radiation. That way, when they attempt to impregnate the female flies, those eggs won’t fertilize or hatch, and will, in turn, lead to the NWS flies dying out before they spread farther. –SHTFPlan

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Which policy will be more effective? Sterile flies or dog sniffing? Or could both be unnecessary, as this parasite will simply fall out of the mainstream media, as bird flu has already done? Let us know what you think in the comments, and let’s discuss.