U.S. Launches Bold Initiative to Breed Billions of Flies in Innovative Battle Against Pests

Topeka, Kan. — The U.S. government is gearing up for a unique plan: breed billions of flies and release them from airplanes over Mexico and southern Texas. This may sound strange, but it’s part of a project aimed at controlling a dangerous pest called the New World Screwworm. This flesh-eating maggot could threaten the U.S. beef industry and even affect pets and wildlife.

Edwin Burgess, a professor at the University of Florida, calls this approach “exceptionally good technology.” It’s a proven method that has worked before to tackle similar issues.

The New World Screwworm fly lays its eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, making it a serious threat to livestock. In just two weeks, an infected cow can die, as Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medicine Association, explained.

To combat the screwworms, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to produce sterile male flies. The male flies will mate with females in the wild, leading to non-fertile eggs that don’t hatch. This strategy helped eliminate the pest from the U.S. decades ago, and now it’s making a comeback from southern Mexico.

The USDA’s new fly factory in southern Mexico is expected to be operational by July 2026. A distribution center in southern Texas will help manage the flow of flies if needed. This proactive approach contrasts with simply spraying pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment.

Historically, the U.S. successfully eradicated the screwworm by releasing over 94 billion sterile flies between 1962 and 1975. The current situation has prompted the USDA to reinforce its efforts after the pest reappeared last year.

Veterinarians have effective treatments, but the presence of screwworms can still inflict pain on affected animals. Many people, like retired rancher Don Hineman, recall the unpleasant smell of infected cattle from their childhood.

The New World Screwworm can’t survive in colder climates, limiting its seasonal outbreaks. The fly’s biology is crucial to this control method: females only mate once, meaning a large number of sterile males can significantly reduce the population.

In response to the rising threat, the U.S. has temporarily halted imports of live livestock from Mexico since May, showing the urgency of the situation.

Creating these fly factories isn’t just about breeding; it requires careful management and security. Flies need specific conditions to thrive, and expert Cassandra Olds notes that female flies require certain cues to lay eggs. The nutritional needs of the larvae are also vital.

In a historical nod, past fly factories used a mix of horse meat and honey for the larvae. Today, a mix of egg powder and other nutrients is being utilized. The breeding process is meticulous, ensuring that not a single fertile fly escapes.

Releasing the flies from airplanes is a tried-and-tested method. The USDA first used planes in the 1950s to drop flies in controlled ways. Despite the risks, like the recent crash near the Mexican border, this air dispersal remains a critical part of their strategy.

Burgess emphasizes that while past successes are encouraging, the threat of the screwworm can resurface at any time. His insight serves as a reminder that vigilance in agriculture is essential, even in seemingly won battles against pests.

You can read more about the USDA’s sustainable approach and the potential effects of the New World Screwworm on their official website.



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