A project at 300 million dollars: this is why the United States plan to raise flies en masse and … to drop them by plane

To fight against an epidemic of devouring flesh-devouring asticots that threatens cattle. However, the United States relaunches an unusual strategy: letting go of millions of sterile flies since the air. In addition, An expensive solution, but deemed essential to avoid an agricultural disaster. &#13. Similarly,

Since 2023, an epidemic of Lucilie Bouchère du Nouveau Mondea tropical fly whose larvae literally eat living animals, gradually goes up Central America. Nevertheless, The insect has already reached southern Mexico, threatening to cross the American border.

The parasite. Nevertheless, Cochliomyia hominivoraxis feared: its larvae settle in the wounds of animal with hot blood, digging them from the inside with their oral hooks. For example, « They can kill a project 300 million dollars: this cow in one to two weeks if nothing is done »alert Thomas Lansford. Therefore, assistant veterinarian in the Texas Animal Health Commission.

&#13. Furthermore,

Return of an old strategy

The United States had already eradicated this fly in the 1960s and 1970s using a revolutionary method: raising sterile male flies and relaxing them en masse. These males mate with wild females, which then lay non -viable eggs. An effective way to drop the populations in a few generations.

« Females only mate once in their lives. Once they have encountered a sterile male, their cycle is broken »explains Dr. Phillip Kaufman, professor at Texas A&M University.

A project with project project 300 million dollars: this in the project

But today. only an installation in Panama is capable of producing these sterile flies – around 100 million per week – which is insufficient to contain the epidemic. On June 18. the United States Ministry of Agriculture (USDA) announced the creation of a new “fly factory” near the border between Texas and Mexico.

Its estimated cost: $ 300 million. Another dispersion installation should also open on Moore air base in Texas. Renovation work of an old factory in Mexico is also planned.

A threat to breeders

Since the start of the epidemic, more than 35,000 cases of infestation have been recorded, including 83 % in cattle. “It is a daily chore to inspect our cattle,” says Stephen Diebel, Texan breeder. project 300 million dollars: this “An infestation can ruin an entire exploitation. Additionally, »»

There is no effective vaccine or repellants. Only preventive measures, such as avoiding painful interventions on animals in summer, make it possible to reduce risks. Wild animals such as deer or rodents can also be carriers, making surveillance even more complex.

For professionals in the sector, the economic issue is colossal. « SI these flies settle here, it could cost $ 10 billion in the breeding industry, ”warns Stephen Diebel. “Spending 300 million today is an investment for our survival. Furthermore, project 300 million dollars: this »»

Thanks to recent progress, the USDA already plans to reopen certain commercial ports closed because of the epidemic. But the battle is far from over. The next few weeks will be decisive to contain the progress of this scourge from the South.