PANAMA CITY, Panama (RFD News) — USDA researchers are moving closer to testing a new tool designed to help stop the spread of New World screwworm.
According to Reuters, USDA is preparing the first outdoor tests of a genetically modified screwworm fly at the sterile fly facility in Panama. The fly, known as NovoFly, is designed to produce only male offspring.
After sterilization, the male flies could be released to mate with wild females, helping reduce screwworm populations over time.
USDA says the technology could eventually increase the number of sterile flies available for release as efforts continue to control the pest.
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