High Tech Thermal Drones Target Screwworm Spread Along Texas Border

Efforts to stop the New World Screwworm in Texas go high tech.

Tech-Driven Border Strategy Targeting Screwworm Epidemic

Texas received a visit this week from top federal officials at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The visit was part of a demonstration of advanced technological tactics aimed at stopping the spread of the New World screwworm.

Thermal Imaging Drones

Central to the eradication strategy is the deployment of high-tech aerial drones equipped with thermal imaging capabilities. Because livestock and wild animals infested with screwworm larvae experience elevated body temperatures from fever, the drone cameras can detect heat spikes from above. This allows authorities to identify, isolate, and quarantine affected animals rapidly before the parasitic flies can multiply.

The Extent of The Spread of the Screwworm in Texas

According to Fox 44, USDA records list 45 infestations have been confirmed north of the border since early June, with the majority occurring in Texas. The threat is especially severe because the flesh-eating larvae, named for their screw-like feeding patterns, can cause lethal infections in host animals in a short amount of time.

Drone Surveillance

Federal agencies have already conducted more than 23,000 drone reconnaissance missions along the border region. The enhanced aerial coverage serves a dual purpose by helping track drug cartels engaging in illegal cattle smuggling, particularly along the Arizona border.

Additional Methods of Screwworm Control

In addition to thermal drone surveillance, officials are ramping up biological countermeasures. Authorities have dispersed over 700 million sterile male screwworm flies along the Texas border to disrupt breeding cycles. These countermeasures are base in two locations:

Moore Air Base Facility: Construction of a sterile fly production plant in Texas is now projected for completion by April 1, seven months ahead of schedule, with a target output of 100 million sterile flies per week.

Douglas, Arizona Site: A secondary facility was announced last week to help achieve a total release goal of 300 million sterile flies weekly across the southern border.

Texans Need to Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Infestation

As official containment efforts expand, state wildlife officials are urging private citizens and property owners to assist in monitoring local animal populations. Kory Gann, Big Game Program Director for Texas Parks and Wildlife, stressed the vital role that private trail cameras will play heading into the upcoming hunting season. Landowners and hunters statewide are being asked to closely review trail camera footage for signs of distressed, injured, or sick livestock and game animals.