This photo shows one of the main tools being used to stop New World screwworm. The green pupae are sterile flies before they emerge. Each ground release unit holds about 80,000 flies and is refilled every other day. As the flies emerge, they disperse into the surrounding area in search of females. Sterile flies are also being released by air. So far this month, USDA has released more than 19.5 million sterile flies (via air and ground) as part of the effort to contain and eradicate New World screwworm.
The number of confirmed New World screwworm (NWS) cases in Texas has risen to 12, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's tracking website as of Wednesday.While most cases have been found in sheep, cattle and goats in South Texas and the Hill Country, the closest confirmed case to West Texas was reported June 11 in a cow in northern Tom Green County between Grape Creek and Carl...
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