Federal government plans to air-drop sterile flies over Texas to fight flesh-eating maggots
Share this @internewscast.com

The U.S. government is set to release millions of flies across Mexico and Texas from airplanes as a strategy to tackle a flesh-eating maggot problem.

The target of this initiative is the larvae of the New World Screwworm (NWS) fly, known for its flesh-eating tendencies. The Department of Agriculture plans to significantly increase the breeding and aerial release of adult male flies. These flies will undergo radiation sterilization prior to being released.

Once released, the sterilized males mate with wild females, resulting in eggs that are unfertilized and fail to hatch. This process gradually reduces the number of larvae, ultimately leading to the decline of the fly population over time.

A fly factory in Texas

In this Jan. 2024 photo provided by the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Cattle Screwworms (COPEG), a worker drops New World Screwworm fly larvae into a tray at a facility that breeds sterile flies in Pacora, Panama.  (COPEG via AP)

“Due to the threat of New World Screwworm I am announcing the suspension of live cattle, horse, & bison imports through U.S. southern border ports of entry effective immediately,” she wrote on X. 

The pest is endemic in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and some South American countries, according to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Despite being found in forests and other wooded areas, they often seek hosts like cattle or horses in pastures and fields, per the above source.

A female fly will often lay eggs in a wound or orifice of a live, warm-blooded animal. The eggs then hatch into larvae (maggots) that burrow into the flesh, causing potentially deadly damage.

Flies being bred in a Texas factory

In this Jan. 2024 photo provided by The Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Cattle Screwworms (COPEG), a worker holds two small containers of New World Screwworm fly pupae at a facility that breeds sterile flies in Pacora, Panama.  (COPEG via AP)

Between 1962 and 1975, the U.S. and Mexico bred and released more than 94 billion sterile flies to eradicate the pest, according to the USDA.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Tucker Carlson set to release interview with Iranian president

Tucker Carlson prepares to unveil an interview with the Iranian president

Tucker Carlson is preparing to unveil an interview with Iran’s president, posing…
Two girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, at Texas Christian camp found dead

Two Young Girls, Renee Smajstrla and Janie Hunt, Discovered Deceased at Texas Christian Camp

Two girls from Camp Mystic, who were missing, were discovered deceased during…
What Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘Dances with Wolves’ Extended Cut on HBO Max

Looking for a Movie to Watch Tonight? Check Out the Extended Version of ‘Dances with Wolves’ on HBO Max

This Fourth of July, take a moment to remember the Kevin Costner…
South Philly shooting today: At least 8 wounded in mass shooting inside 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA

8 Injured in Mass Shooting at South Philly’s 7 Elements Restaurant Bar and Lounge Today

PHILADELPHIA — Eight people were wounded in a mass shooting early Saturday…
Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing

Texas Flood Survivors Share Dramatic Experiences as Search Efforts Persist for the Missing

As officials continue to verify fatalities and search for people missing following…
Indianapolis street scene with police cars and crime scene tape after a mass shooting.

Two Dead and Multiple Injured in Indianapolis Mass Shooting Amid Large Teen Gathering

TWO people have died and several are injured after a mass shooting…
Man in a black jacket holding a red chainsaw.

Elon Musk Unveils New Political Party to Restore American ‘Freedom’ Following Fallout with Trump and Departure from White House

ELON Musk has launched a new political following his explosive row with…
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei makes first public appearance since Iran-Israel war started

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Appears in Public for the First Time Since the Start of the Iran-Israel Conflict

On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appeared publicly for the…
Grieving Caitlyn Jenner seen for first time since tragic death of longtime friend and manager, Sophia Hutchins

Caitlyn Jenner Spotted for First Time After Heartbreaking Loss of Longtime Friend and Manager, Sophia Hutchins

Caitlyn Jenner was spotted for the first time since losing her longtime…
Ukraine, Denmark ink landmark deal to produce weapons in Europe

Ukraine and Denmark Sign Historic Agreement to Manufacture Weapons in Europe

Kyiv struck a landmark deal with Denmark Friday that paves the way…
Hakeem Jeffries Reemerges, Doubles Down on Democrats' Big Lie About OBBB and the American Dream

Hakeem Jeffries Resurfaces, Reinforces Democrats’ False Narrative on OBBB and the American Dream

The Democrats tell dishonest statements so often, it’s hard sometimes to rank…
Delicious: NPR Quietly Forced to Report Major Restaurant Chain Is Ending Egg Surcharge for Customers

Tasty Tidbit: NPR Subtly Reveals Major Restaurant Chain’s Decision to Remove Egg Surcharge

Since President Trump assumed office, the price of eggs has significantly decreased,…