Agriculture And Policy News

USDA Marks Billionth Sterile Fly Release as Screwworm Cases Remain Low

The USDA has released its billionth sterile fly in Texas to combat the New World screwworm, a pest that inflicts severe infections on warm-blooded animals. While the federal government is ramping up production and surveillance, fewer than 50 cases have been recorded in the U.S. this year. The strategy relies on releasing sterile males to interrupt breeding cycles, supported by cross-border cooperation and drone surveillance.