November 3, 2026 | Location: College Station, Texas | Industry Intelligence Report
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — In response to expanding pest incursions in Central America and heightened biosecurity risks along the U.S. southern border, Texas A&M University researchers, in collaboration with the Honduran National Service of Agricultural Health and Food Safety (SENASA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), have launched a comprehensive genomics initiative targeting the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax).
Supported by a $4.0 million federal research allocation, the multidisciplinary team will sequence 99.99% of the insect’s genome from wild outbreak strains. The research focuses on identifying specific genetic mutations associated with resistance to traditional organophosphate and macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic treatments commonly used across cattle, sheep, and goat populations.
“Mapping the high-density genomic architecture of active screwworm strains allows us to detect drug-resistance markers before widespread field failure occurs,” stated the lead genomics investigator. “This data is vital for safeguarding livestock health across North and Central America.”
The New World screwworm poses a severe economic and welfare threat to livestock producers. Female flies deposit eggs in open wounds of warm-blooded animals, where larvae feed on living tissue. With expanding climate vectors and livestock movement, rapid genetic surveillance is critical for maintaining sterile insect technique (SIT) efficacy and developing next-generation chemical controls.
Strategic Industry Takeaways
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Targeted sequencing of 99.99% of the active strain genome across regional outbreak hot spots.
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Surveillance focused on preserving chemical efficacy in commercial beef, dairy, and small ruminant sectors.
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Direct biosecurity coordination between U.S. researchers and Central American veterinary health authorities.
