US plans to fight flesh-eating screwworm outbreak with flies and dogs
US officials are implementing a containment strategy to combat the first US outbreak of the flesh-eating New World Screwworm since 1966. The plan involves using genetically-altered sterile flies and surveillance zones to protect livestock.
Why it matters
The re-emergence of this parasite poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector and beef markets, requiring urgent intervention.
Image source, Reuters By Max Matza Published 5 June 2026, 01:56 BST US agriculture and health officials have outlined a plan to combat a flesh-eating parasite that has been detected in the US for the first time since 1966.
The article provides a factual, science-based report on an agricultural health issue.
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