Arizona prepares for flesh-eating fly after cases move toward US border

A New World screwworm case was detected about 70 miles from the Texas border, raising significant concerns among cattle growers and agricultural officials. This parasite, known for its flesh-eating larvae, can be deadly to infected animals if untreated. Arizona's agricultural experts have been on alert, enhancing education and surveillance efforts since the first reports emerged from Mexico last November. Betsy Greene from the University of Arizona emphasized the urgency of these preparations, noting that the latest infection case detected in Mexico further underscores the need for vigilance. The U.

S. Agriculture Secretary has deemed the screwworm's resurgence a national security priority and announced a $100 million investment to combat it. Plans include releasing 100 million sterile flies weekly in collaboration with Mexican authorities. The USDA is also establishing a sterile fly dispersal facility in Texas. With the potential for severe economic losses in the livestock sector, officials stress the importance of immediate action.