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US to Breed Billions of Flies to Fight Flesh-Eating Pest
Above: New World screwworm fly. Image copyright: Unsplash
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This proven biological control method represents a smart, environment-friendly approach to pest management that protects America's $80 billion beef industry without the use of harmful pesticides. The sterile insect technique successfully eliminated this devastating parasite before and offers the most effective defense against a pest that could decimate livestock and wildlife populations.
Establishment-critical narrative
The government's massive fly-breeding program raises concerns about the risks and costs of aerial releases, especially after a recent plane crash killed three people during similar operations. This expensive intervention reflects reactive rather than proactive border security, with taxpayers funding a $29.5 million program to address a problem that could have been prevented.