This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: New cases of New World screwworm have recently surfaced in the United States, highlighting the critical need to track its paths to determine where future infestations may occur. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are employing predictive models as part of a forward-thinking approach to manage New World screwworm.
This strategy allows USDA agencies to act earlier, respond faster and direct resources where they are most needed to protect U.S. livestock, pets and wildlife. "Everything in modern agriculture and pest management is moving toward precision intervention, and that includes the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for control of New World screwworm. Modeling its movement and using this information for optimal placement maximizes our impact and hastens eradication," said Dr.
Scott Hutchins, undersecretary for research, education and economics at USDA. Predictive models use advanced analytical tools and artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret ecological, environmental and historical information to predict where New World screwworm is likely to become established and the potential pathways it may follow to spread. The models look at the following factors: "We now have at our disposal incredible tools to help re-eradicate New World screwworm that were not available to our predecessors, including advanced AI and predictive modeling tools that can be employed to help us forecast where New World screwworm infestations are likely to pop up," said Kim Lohmeyer, director of the ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas.
"Having any kind of forewarning system that helps guide surveillance and management decisions is a game-changer in our fight to respond quickly to this urgent pest." The integrated modeling system will guide researchers, ranchers and public health officials in implementing strategic and targeted approaches to prepare for possible outbreaks and enable responders to stay ahead of New World screwworm. The modeling system will help strengthen USDA's multipronged approach to combating New World screwworm, which includes: Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. d research that matter—daily or weekly. "ARS developed predictive New World screwworm models that incorporate historical data like habitat use, host preferences and environmental conditions into a science-based platform and are already being used to select areas for increased livestock and wildlife surveillance, adult fly trapping and implementing SIT," said Lohmeyer.
"However, these models cannot predict every scenario, especially those affected by unpredictable variables like people transporting infested animals." Livestock owners should remain vigilant and never move an animal that exhibits signs of infestation or is suspected of being infested. Livestock owners should work with their state animal health officials and ensure they are following all requirements before moving any livestock or wildlife in and out of infested areas. If you spot signs of New World screwworm infestation in animals, report it to the appropriate responding official by visiting the USDA New World screwworm reporting page.
To obtain the latest information and updates about New World screwworm, visit screwworm.gov. Provided by Agricultural Research Service MA in English, copy editor since 2021 with experience in higher education and health content. Dedicated to trustworthy science news.
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