Mission:
The mission of the Screwworm Research Unit is to provide basic and applied research needed to facilitate the effort of USDA-APHIS to prevent screwworms from reinfesting Central and North America. Specifically, the mission includes: 1) apply quantitative procedures to characterize screwworm ecology; 2) perfect remote sensing techniques applicable to the prediction of screwworm distribution; 3) develop new sterile male release strategies for use in the barrier zone and in outbreak areas that have been previously eradicated; 4) improve screwworm diet and rearing technology; 5) further characterize the influences of the genetic changes occurring during colonization of screwworm strains in the production facility; and 6) create a practical artificial wound for use in screwworm research and eradication. Research by the Screwworm Unit is done at the laboratory co-located with the Screwworm Production Facility at Pacora, Panama, and at Kerrville, TX, laboratory.