US boosts drone surveillance as flesh-eating screwworms spread in Texas
Summary
The U.S. government is using hundreds of drones to help find and stop the spread of flesh-eating screwworm infestations in animals in South Texas and New Mexico. These drones use thermal cameras to spot sick animals early, supporting efforts to control this parasite that can seriously harm livestock and wildlife.Key Facts
- The New World Screwworm is a parasite larva that eats living flesh and can cause severe injury or death in animals and humans.
- Since June, about 200 drones from the Department of Homeland Security and the USDA have flown over areas in Texas and New Mexico to look for screwworm signs.
- The USDA has conducted over 1,000 drone flights and checked more than 22,000 animals.
- As of August 12, there were 45 confirmed cases of screwworm infestation, mostly in cattle and sheep, but also in dogs and a goat.
- The main drone used is the Skydio X10, equipped with thermal cameras that detect warm spots from animal fevers caused by infections.
- Early morning flights make it easier for drones to spot animals against cooler ground.
- The USDA is researching AI to help analyze drone images for wounds and abnormal animal behavior.
- Besides drones, the USDA uses stationary cameras and fly traps, though fly traps have not detected screwworm flies yet.
- The main method to stop screwworm spread is releasing sterile male flies, which reduces the wild fly population; this method had previously eliminated screwworms from the U.S. but the flies returned in 2022.
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