NEW WORLD SCREWWORM: STEPS TO TAKE AGAINST THE PEST
The sterile insect technique( SIT) is the method used in the 1960s to eradicate New World Screwworm( NWS) from the U. S.; it is the cornerstone of our nation’ s response to this pest. According to USDA, SIT uses gamma radiation to irradiate NWS pupae and create sterile male flies. This practice does not impact the male flies’ longevity, searching behavior, or mating ability, but when produced and released, sterile male flies mate with wild female flies to lay unfertilized eggs. Since female NWS flies normally mate only once, the NWS population progressively reduces and is, ultimately, eradicated. 1
Last year, USDA announced the planned development of a new sterile fly facility in Edinburg, Texas, at Moore Air Force Base that is expected to produce 300 million flies per week, and development of the facility began this spring. A joint program between USDA and Panama currently produces about 100 million sterile flies per week for dispersal at the Panama – United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm Infestation in Livestock( COPEG) facility in Panama. 2
As U. S. producers wait for more SIT capacity and prepare for NWS cases in the U. S., cattle producers should take steps to prepare to mitigate damage from NWS. The pest is a foreign animal disease, and it is imperative that producers report NWS if suspected to stop the spread early.
PREPARATION TIPS FOR PRODUCERS
ENSURE you have an established relationship with a veterinarian.
CONSIDER husbandry practices and potential timelines for recovery( birthing, dehorning, branding, castrations).
ANALYZE potential fly control options for your premises.
ESTABLISH clear movement and biosecurity practices.
10 JUNE 2026 www. NCBA. org