While New World Screwworm remains confined to parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico, animal health officials are focused on making sure it stays that way. Although the insect is still hundreds of miles from Iowa, state and federal officials are relying on a proven strategy that successfully eradicated the New World Screwworm fly from the United States decades ago.
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said there is good reason for confidence because the insect is not an unknown threat. The eradication strategy developed during the mid 20th century remains the foundation of today’s response, even as officials work to address the challenges of a modern outbreak.
The sterile fly technique has been used successfully in the past by releasing sterilized male flies into affected areas. Because female New World Screwworm flies only mate once, breeding with a sterile male prevents offspring from being produced, gradually reducing the population over time. Naig said the biggest challenge today is producing enough sterile flies to match the size of the affected area, though additional production capacity is being developed.
Naig said preventing the movement of infested animals remains just as important as expanding sterile fly production. Veterinary inspections, required treatments, and movement restrictions are all designed to keep the insect from establishing new populations outside the current infestation zone.
While officials expect expanding sterile fly production will take time, Naig said the overall strategy has already proven effective once before. For Iowa livestock producers, the message remains consistent: stay informed, remain observant, and allow animal health officials to focus on containing the New World Screwworm fly well before it ever becomes a concern in the Midwest.
