What exactly is Screwworm?
A screwworm infestation is caused by larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax. These larvae can infest wounds of any warm-blooded animal, including human beings. The screwworm fly is about twice the size of a regular house fly and can be distinguished by its greenish-blue color and its large reddish-orange eyes. Infestations can occur in any open wound, including cuts, castration wounds, navels of newborn animals, and tick bites. The wounds often contain a dark, foul-smelling discharge. Screwworm larvae distinguish themselves from other species by feeding only on the living flesh, never dead tissue. Once a wound is infested, the screwworm can eventually kill the animal or human, literally eating it alive. How can screwworms be eradicated? The Screwworm Eradication Program takes advantage of two simple biological factors: 1) the male screwworm fly is very sexually aggressive, and 2) the female only mates once in her lifetime. Using a highly sophisticated technique, the pupae are expose
