USDA Releases Sterile Flies After Otero County Screwworm Case

Otero County has 2 confirmed cases.

A single female New World screwworm fly can lay 200 to 300 eggs at a time and up to 3,000 eggs during her 10- to 30-day lifespan. To combat their spread, the USDA is releasing sterile flies into infected zones.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state are releasing sterile flies around southern Otero County after New World screwworm was confirmed in a beef cow on a ranch between Piñon and Dell City, Texas.

More than 11.2 million sterile flies have been released in New Mexico so far, KOB-TV reported.

Animals inside the 12.4-mile infested zone must be inspected and treated if needed before moving. State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck warned that fly pupae can survive cold days into winter.

The NMSU Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources Facebook Page recently stated that the “infested zone map now covers most of Southern New Mexico.”

Report suspected cases to the New Mexico Livestock Board at 505-841-6161. Sampling kits are available at the Otero County Extension Office at 575-437-0231.

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