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ARS Home » Plains Area » Kerrville, Texas » Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory » People » Mackenzie Tietjen

Mackenzie Tietjen

Research Entomologist

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My research focuses on the population genetics and ecology of the New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax. Broadly, I am interested in parasites and their evolution. Screwworms have been eradicated from North and Central America but, because they still exist in much of the Caribbean and South America, outbreaks can and do occur. Through my research we have been able to identify the origin of the Florida 2016 outbreak and develop a diagnostic tool for future outbreaks. I aim to improve surveillance and control of this pest through researching their spatial ecology and factors that lead to their success as parasites.