ResearchWednesday, November 4
UTRGV gets a $2.2 million federal award to test drones against the New World screwworm
The Good Day Edinburg team
If you raise livestock in the Valley, pay attention to this one. UTRGV has received a $2.2 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop and test drones against the New World screwworm, and U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz presented the check Monday at the Edinburg Campus.
The award is big, and the project is built to last two years
- $2.2 million
- USDA award to UTRGV
- 2 years
- the project is set to last
- $50 million+
- De La Cruz says she has brought to Hidalgo County
Source: KRGV
Assistant Professor Sarah Maestas said traditional surveillance means examining animal wounds for larvae and using traps for adult flies, which is especially hard with wildlife. The findings could help agencies target trapping, monitoring and sterile fly releases more effectively.
- Award: through USDA's New World Screwworm Grand Challenge
- Timing: surveys expected to start by next spring
- Tools: thermal imaging, machine learning and drone imagery
- Drones may also release sterile flies and deliver animal treatments
The stakes are real. ValleyCentral reports the USDA lists nine active screwworm cases in Texas as of Nov. 3, and the July calf case in Starr County is now inactive.
9active screwworm cases in Texas as of Nov. 3
ValleyCentral reports 91 cases have been reported across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona since the outbreak.
Source: ValleyCentral.com
Sources: KRGV, ValleyCentral.com