US boosts drone surveillance as flesh-eating screwworms spread in Texas
Hundreds of Homeland Security drones retasked to survey wildlife and livestock.
The United States has ramped up its drone surveillance capabilities as the invasive flesh-eating screwworms spread across Texas. These drones, originally deployed for border monitoring, are now being repurposed to detect signs of screwworm infestations in wild animals and livestock herds. The screwworm, a parasitic larva emerging from wounds or body openings, can cause severe injury or death if left untreated.
Since the initial screwworm cases were reported in South Texas in June, the USDA and CBP have been engaged in their most extensive animal-health surveillance operation to date. This initiative involves the use of at least 200 drones operated by the Department of Homeland Security, which encompasses the CBP agency. The USDA has reported conducting over 1,000 drone flights and surveying more than 22,000 animals since the start of the operation on August 10.
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