USDA Deploys AI Drones and Awards $105 Million for 40 Screwworm Projects
Updated
Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jun 16
USDA Deploys AI Drones and Awards $105 Million for 40 Screwworm Projects
1 articles · Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jun 16
Summary
$105 million will fund 40 new USDA-backed screwworm projects, while the agency also plans AI-controlled drones to monitor wildlife for the pest.
USDA is discussing a drone partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and expects more details later this week during Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' South Texas visit.
Wildlife surveillance is a priority because screwworm has not been found in U.S. wildlife so far, but past Texas outbreaks spread through deer and rabbits and today's larger wild pig population could complicate control.
Most funded projects target sterile-fly production, traps, treatments and preparedness tools, building on the eradication method scientists still consider most effective against the blowfly threatening the cattle industry.