The New World screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966; however, over the past few years, it has been increasingly detected in Panama and Mexico. The fly is expected to severely impact producers and the hunting and wildlife industry in Texas if it reaches the U.S., with cattle producers losing an estimated $2.1 billion and the hunting and wildlife industry losing $9 billion. As this pest reemerges, the agriculture industry needs effective solutions to protect livestock, producer bottom lines and the U.S. food supply.
To complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recently announced efforts, FFAR is seeking research proposals that inform New World screwworm risk assessment, evaluate changing dynamics since its eradication from the U.S., establish withdrawal times and environmental impacts of treatment protocols, identify prevention strategies for livestock, poultry and wildlife at scale and other topics related to New World screwworm. FFAR’s unique rapid funding capability through the ROAR program will help fill current research gaps while USDA implements its plan.
