Millions of flies to be dropped on US state after disturbing threat of flesh-eating maggots
Gerrard Kaonga
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
While flies can be pretty damn annoying, they could be crucial in the US’ plan to deal with a previously-eradicated pest which has reared its head again.
Flesh eating maggots are as horrifying as they sound, and could continue to be a big issue in one American state bordering Mexico.
The US Department of Agriculture recently announced it has a major plan up its sleeve after new developments in Mexico have got it worried.
Mexico had previously informed the US that it had a recent outbreak of New World Screwworm and its flesh-eating maggot larvae, which were thought to have been wiped out back in the 60s.
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But the way the flies spread sounds even worse.
Female flies will typically lay their eggs in the open wounds of live, warm-blooded animals and once the maggots hatch they burrow into the flesh of the host in a screw-like fashion, hence the name.
This outbreak has reportedly been seen in Texas and has forced the US to take action.
Most disturbingly of all, the flies can be laid and hatch in human open wounds and the CDC has warned certain groups of people to be vigilant against them.
It said: “The parasite is typically found in South America and the Caribbean. People who travel to these areas, spend time among livestock animals, sleep outdoors, and have an open wound are at greater risk of becoming infested with NWS.”
But while this hasn’t typically been a big issue in the US in the past, earlier this year the US temporarily suspended live cattle, horse, and bison imports across the US-Mexico border to prevent further spread.
The USDA said it was intending to open some ports from July 7, explaining that to ‘protect American livestock and our nation’s food supply, Secretary Rollins has ordered the closure of livestock trade through southern ports of entry effective immediately’ until the situation is under control.
To actively combat the issue, the USDA has also announced plans to release flies that have been blasted with radiation at a South Texas facility so that they are sterile.
They'll then release these into the skies of Texas and Mexico.
These millions of flies are expected to mate with the female screwworm flies, unfertilized eggs that don't hatch will then be produced and ultimately reduce the number of screwworm larvae.
The ultimate goal is to see the screwworm population die out in the region and the USDA noted it will be keeping a close eye on the efforts to eradicate the pest in Mexico.
It added: “USDA will continue to have personnel perform site visits throughout Mexico to ensure the Mexican government has adequate protocols and surveillance in place to combat this pest effectively and efficiently.”