en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Texas Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with state and federal agencies, is responding to a recent outbreak of New World screwworm, with eradication efforts becoming a core task for the local livestock industry. Dr. Phillip Kaufman of Texas A&M University discussed the progress on Wednesday's Market Day Report program.

Kaufman noted that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is employing sterile fly technology and dynamically adjusting release areas based on detection results. Currently, approximately 4 to 8 million sterile flies are being released in affected counties as part of the eradication campaign. The technology works by releasing sterile male flies to mate with wild females. Since female screwworms typically mate only once, eggs laid after mating with sterile males fail to hatch, gradually reducing the population.

The affected areas have been designated as survey zones, with animal movement restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of the flies. Kaufman stated that officials hope other states and countries will continue to deem livestock imports from the rest of Texas as safe.

Kaufman advised producers to closely monitor animal conditions, promptly inspect and treat open wounds when suspicious signs are found, and involve veterinarians. He emphasized that producers should establish veterinarian-client relationships, as many effective screwworm treatment protocols require veterinary authorization. Compared to the screwworm outbreak in the 1960s, today's livestock producers have better treatment options available.

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