Billion-Fly Battle: Can Sterile Insect Tactics Keep Screwworm in Check?
The US, Mexico, and Panama are releasing sterile New World screwworm flies to curb a flesh-eating parasite threatening livestock and wildlife. Production capacity is expanding with new plants in Mexico and Texas (aiming for about 100 million weekly by late 2027 and potentially much more by 2028), but reaching the historic 500 million flies per week remains uncertain, leaving room for outbreaks if reporting lags. Scientists are also testing male-only Novofly flies to boost efficiency and output, while ongoing monitoring and containment efforts continue.