US agriculture and health officials have outlined a plan to combat a flesh-eating parasite detected in the US for the first time since 1966. The New World Screwworm poses a low threat to humans but a significant risk to livestock.
The plan focuses on deploying hundreds of millions of genetically-altered sterile flies. Other measures include a containment zone along the southern border and the use of sniffer dogs.
Officials discovered the first case in a calf in La Pryor, Texas. A 20-kilometer "control zone" has been established with quarantines and movement controls.
The Sterile Insect Technique involves releasing sterile male flies. Females mate only once, ensuring unfertilized eggs that won't hatch. However, demand far exceeds supply. Current capacity is 100 million sterile flies per week, but 600 million are needed.
US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressed confidence, but critics, including Texas cattle farmers, argue the response is insufficient. The outbreak threatens beef markets.
The screwworm has spread north through Central America, with 2,070 human cases reported. The "Beagle Brigade" of sniffer dogs will be stationed at borders to detect the insects.
Officials urge ranchers to cover livestock wounds and check for symptoms. A new sterile fly facility recently opened in Texas to boost production.