A Virginia Tech research team led by associate professor Luis Escobar is developing an integrated preparedness and response system, funded by USDA, to address the re-emergence of the new world screwworm in the Americas.

Mitigation measures proposed include mandatory physical inspections and anti-parasitic treatments for cattle at southern border ports, along with stricter animal movement requirements into Texas.

Escobar notes that preventing a screwworm invasion protects food production, prices, rural economies, wildlife, companion animals, and public health due to the parasite’s potential human impact.

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The recent detection of the new world screwworm fly in south Texas has raised industry worries after decades of eradication success.

Escobar’s background spans biogeography, ecology, and evolution of infectious diseases, with roles across VT centers focused on zoonotic diseases and invasive species.

Virginia Tech will collaborate with Texas A&M, North Carolina State University, the University of Kansas, Universidad de San Carlos, and Universidad del Valle (Guatemala) to broaden the effort.

The project aims to connect surveillance, genetics, producer behavior, and predictive modeling to prevent and mitigate screwworm infestations that threaten livestock, food production, rural economies, and public health.

This project is among 40 breakthrough USDA initiatives designed to strengthen screwworm preparedness and response capabilities.