The US has redirected at least 200 government drones from border surveillance to detect screwworm infestations in Texas and New Mexico, conducting over 1,000 flights and surveying 22,000+ animals. While 45 confirmed cases have been found in livestock and companion animals since June, it remains unclear how many detections resulted directly from drone surveys.
Background
Screwworms were eradicated from the Americas in the 1990s through the sterile insect technique but remain a threat if reestablished. This incident highlights the repurposing of DHS drone assets for domestic agricultural and public health emergencies.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Aug 13, 2026 at 03:40 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10