Why is the US Planning to Breed Screwworm Flies and Dump them from Planes Over Mexico?
In a bizarre move to protect its beef industry, the United States government is planning to breed billions of male screwworm flies and dump them from planes over Mexico and southern Texas. The goal is to combat the flesh-eating larvae of the New World screwworm fly, which can cause significant damage to cattle and other livestock. But how does this plan work, and why is it necessary?
The Problem: New World Screwworm Fly
The New World screwworm fly (Chrysops nigricans) is a parasite that affects livestock, particularly cattle, in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The fly’s larvae feed on the flesh of warm-blooded animals, causing significant damage and often leading to the death of the affected animal. The screwworm fly is a significant threat to the cattle industry, as it can cause significant economic losses and even lead to the destruction of entire herds.
The Solution: Sterilized Male Flies
To combat the screwworm fly, the US government is planning to breed billions of male flies and sterilize them using radiation. The sterile males will then be released over Mexico and southern Texas, where they will mate with wild female flies. Since the males are sterile, they will not be able to reproduce, and the population of screwworm flies will eventually die out.
How it Will Work
The process of breeding and releasing the sterile flies will involve several steps:
- Breeding: The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will breed the screwworm flies in controlled facilities.
- Sterilization: The male flies will be sterilized using radiation to prevent them from reproducing.
- Release: The sterile male flies will be released from planes over Mexico and southern Texas.
- Mating: The sterile males will mate with wild female flies, but since they are sterile, they will not be able to reproduce.
- Population decline: Over time, the population of screwworm flies will decline as the sterile males and females mate and fail to reproduce.
Why is this Necessary?
The US government is taking this drastic measure because the screwworm fly is a significant threat to the cattle industry. The fly’s larvae can cause significant damage to cattle, leading to economic losses and even the destruction of entire herds. By releasing sterilized male flies, the government hopes to reduce the population of screwworm flies and protect the cattle industry.
Conclusion
The US government’s plan to breed and release sterilized screwworm flies may seem unconventional, but it is a necessary measure to protect the cattle industry from the flesh-eating larvae of the New World screwworm fly. By releasing sterile males, the government hopes to reduce the population of screwworm flies and prevent significant economic losses to the cattle industry.
