Source: CNN
The U.S. government has released its billionth sterile fly as part of efforts to combat New World screwworm, but scientists warn current production may remain insufficient. The parasite, whose larvae feed on living tissue, returned to the United States in 2026 after spreading north from Central America.
Sterile flies are used to interrupt reproduction because female screwworm flies mate only once. Historically, the U.S. released about 500 million sterile flies weekly to eradicate the pest, while current production capacity remains well below that level.
USDA is expanding production through facilities in Mexico, Panama, and Texas, while also investing in an Arizona dispersal facility. Researchers are testing Novofly, a genetically altered male-only strain that could effectively increase useful production by eliminating sterile females. Experts say expanded capacity and new technologies will be important because screwworm populations can grow rapidly and threaten livestock, wildlife, pets, and potentially humans.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/07/health/screwworm-billion-flies