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Flesh-Eating Screwworm Fly Returns, US Tightens Animal Import Rules

7/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The flesh-eating New World screwworm fly is making a dangerous comeback in North and Central America, endangering both cattle and humans. Following its eradication in the 1980s, alarming cases have spiked in Panama and Mexico this year. In response, the US is tightening live animal import regulations and ramping up the release of sterile flies to fight this menace.

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Story summary

The flesh-eating New World screwworm fly is making a dangerous comeback in North and Central America, endangering both cattle and humans. Following its eradication in the 1980s, alarming cases have spiked in Panama and Mexico this year. In response, the US is tightening live animal import regulations and ramping up the release of sterile flies to fight this menace.