Drones Enhance Biosecurity Efforts Against New World Screwworm Threat
USDA Utilizes Drones to Combat New World Screwworm in Texas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is employing drone technology as part of its efforts to combat the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that poses a significant threat to livestock and wildlife in Texas. The larvae of this fly feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, leading to severe health issues and, if untreated, potential death. The USDA has reported that the majority of infestations occur in animals, particularly livestock, making this initiative critical for agricultural health.
Drone Surveillance Operations
Since June 3, 2026, the USDA has conducted over 1,000 drone surveillance flights across Texas, observing more than 20,000 animals as part of a collaborative wildlife surveillance program with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. These flights are aimed at identifying and monitoring potential infestations of the New World screwworm.
In conjunction with these efforts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is enhancing surveillance capabilities and providing personnel to assist in the federal response. DHS is also training Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel to recognize and respond to cases of screwworm.
Thermal Drones in Action
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has detailed the operational use of drones in its response efforts. For instance, during a mission near Junction, Texas, on June 18, APHIS teams utilized drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors to survey livestock and wildlife. The cooler morning temperatures facilitated the use of forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, allowing operators to distinguish warm-blooded animals from the cooler ground.
The drones assist in locating animals exhibiting visible wounds or abnormal movements that may necessitate veterinary inspection. They also map animal movements, water sources, and access routes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the area.
Broader Surveillance Network
The drone flights are part of a larger surveillance strategy. Since July 2025, the USDA has monitored over 100 traps specifically for New World screwworm and more than 8,000 insect traps across Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. In Texas alone, over 130 trail cameras have recorded nearly 17,000 animals.
Additionally, the USDA is collaborating with Mexican authorities on trapping and controlling animal movements, conducting monthly audits of Mexico’s response, and enhancing trapping efforts in high-risk border areas.
Interagency Collaboration
The federal response to the New World screwworm involves multiple agencies. The DHS is facilitating surveillance and intelligence sharing, while the Department of the Interior is supporting wildlife surveillance and environmental compliance on federal lands.
Drones as a Complementary Tool
While drone surveillance plays a significant role in monitoring and response efforts, it does not replace the primary method used to eradicate the New World screwworm. The USDA continues to implement the Sterile Insect Technique, which involves releasing sterile male flies to disrupt reproduction. Currently, the agency is dispersing approximately 100 million sterile flies weekly in Texas and Mexico.
APHIS describes drones as a “force multiplier,” enabling teams to cover extensive ranches and challenging terrains more efficiently than ground teams alone. The USDA is also investigating the potential use of artificial intelligence to analyze drone imagery, aiming to enhance the detection of wounds and prioritize inspections.
The ongoing operations in Texas illustrate the practical application of drone technology within a broader federal surveillance initiative, utilizing advanced tools to enhance the response to the New World screwworm threat.