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Mexico expands sterile fly program to combat bovine screwworm
Researchers at the Universidad Veracruzana’s Institute of Biotechnology and Applied Ecology (Inbioteca) have patented a long‑release trap that keeps attractants active for up to 42 days, and a propylene‑glycol‑based insecticide formulation for flies and mosquitoes.
The state government of Chihuahua will begin releasing millions of sterile Cochliomyia hominivorax flies in the Cuauhtémoc region, in coordination with the National Service for Health, Safety and Agro‑food Quality (Senasica). Three confirmed bovine cases and a suspected canine case have been reported there.
Authorities have urged farmers and the public not to kill the released sterile flies, stressing that the sterile insect technique (SIT) is a proven, environmentally safe method used for decades across the continent.
Senator Geovanna Bañuelos has asked that Zacatecas be added to the national SIT program, noting a rapid rise to 37 confirmed cases in 17 municipalities, 189 affected animals, 66 active cases and presence in 39 of the state’s 58 municipalities. Mexico eradicated the screwworm in 1991, but the pest re‑emerged in November 2024, prompting a new operation that plans to release four billion sterile flies nationwide.
Entities
Claudia Gutiérrez Majalca · Cochliomyia hominivorax · Geovanna Bañuelos · Instituto de Biotecnología y Ecología Aplicada · Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural · Servicio Nacional de Sanidad, Inocuidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria (SENASICA) · Universidad Veracruzana
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Senator Geovanna Bañuelos proposed adding Zacatecas to the national sterile‑fly program, citing 37 cases in 17 municipalities, 189 animal cases, 66 active cases and presence in 39 of 58 municipalities www.sdpnoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mexico eradicated the screwworm in 1991 using surveillance and sterile‑fly releases, but the pest re‑emerged in November 2024, prompting a new operation to release four billion sterile flies. www.sdpnoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Universidad Veracruzana researchers patented a long‑release trap that remains active for up to 42 days against the screwworm fly. xeu.mx
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Chihuahua state government will release millions of sterile Cochliomyia hominivorax flies in Cuauhtémoc to control the screwworm, in coordination with Senasica. diario.mx
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The sterile insect technique has been used successfully for decades in several countries to control screwworm populations. lucesdelsiglo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Three confirmed bovine cases and a suspected canine case of screwworm have been reported in Cuauhtémoc. diario.mx
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The same team patented a propylene glycol and sugar insecticide formulation for flies and mosquitoes. xeu.mx
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities advise the public not to kill the released sterile flies, as they are part of the sterile insect technique. lucesdelsiglo.com