By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Several Texas universities and research institutions will play a role in advancing New World screwworm detection, control and eradication efforts after being selected for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) New World Screwworm Grand Challenge.

USDA recently announced about $105 million for 40 projects nationwide related to the pest.

Texas recipients include projects led by Texas Tech University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, The University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

The funded projects focus on a range of technologies and strategies, including improvements to the sterile insect technique, new traps and lures, treatments and therapeutics, artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance systems, drone monitoring and other tools designed to improve preparedness and response efforts.

“We launched the Grand Challenge expecting bold, innovative and science-backed ideas to fight New World screwworm, and the proposals delivered just that,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said. “These projects represent the creativity, scientific rigor and determination we need to reinforce our existing efforts, empower our producers and safeguard American agriculture and our food supply. We have beaten this pest before, and by leveraging innovative solutions and advancements in technology, we will beat it again in record time.”

USDA launched the Grand Challenge in January as part of USDA’s five-pronged strategy to support ranchers, protect the nation’s food supply and strengthen long-term preparedness against New World screwworm.

In addition to the 40 newly funded projects, work is already underway on two other Grand Challenge initiatives.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is evaluating electron beam technology as a non-radioactive alternative to cobalt-60 for sterilizing New World screwworm pupae. Researchers at the University of Florida are also testing U.S.-made X-ray irradiators and using secondary screwworm as a surrogate to refine sterilization protocols.

The funding announcement comes as federal and state officials continue efforts to contain and eradicate New World screwworm following recent detections in South Texas.

USDA said the projects will complement ongoing response efforts, including sterile fly releases, surveillance activities and research programs already underway to stop the pest’s spread.

For the latest updates, guidance and resources related to New World screwworm, visit tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html or screwworm.gov.