USA Plans to Combat Flesh-Eating Screwworm Pest with Flies and Dogs

The USA is facing an outbreak of flesh-eating screwworm, which has not been seen in the country since 1966. To combat the growing threat in America's south, authorities plan to use flies and dogs.

The United States is facing a concerning outbreak of flesh-eating screwworm, marking the first such case in the country since 1966. The pest's emergence in South America has caused serious concern in both the agricultural and environmental sectors.

The screwworm larva is caused by the parasitic fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, which feeds on the living tissue of mammals. The pest's spread can be devastating to both agricultural livestock and wildlife, causing significant economic and environmental damage.

US authorities have developed a plan to combat the outbreak, which involves the use of specially bred sterile flies — a method that was used successfully in the middle of the last century. In addition, the authorities plan to deploy dogs to identify infected animals early and prevent the spread of the disease.

Fighting screwworm is a priority for the USA, as the pest's return could threaten the country's agricultural sector and natural ecosystems. Experts emphasize that rapid response is essential to prevent wider spread in the country's southern states.