The National Screwworm Eradication
Programme (NSEP) was officially launched in July 1998 by former Minister of
Agriculture, the Hon. Roger Clarke. The
NSEP is a project of the Ministry of Agriculture. The aim of this programme is
the total eradication of the New World Screwworm Fly from
What
is the
The New World Screwworm Fly (Cochliomyia
hominivorax or man-eater) is the fly that produces the maggots that
feed on the wounds of warm-blooded animals (including humans). It has been estimated that the eradication of
the screwworm will save
How
is this parasite being eradicated?
The environmentally-friendly Sterile
Insect Technique (SIT) is being used to fight the parasite. With the SIT,
millions of sterile Screwworm flies are released across the country each
week. These sterile flies mate with
indigenous screwworm flies in
The NSEP also has an active field programme. There are NSEP field officers in every parish. These persons are responsible for inspecting animals, treating wounds, collecting samples and distributing a wound powder to farmers and pet owners. This powder can be used both to prevent and treat screwworm infestations.
In addition to this, the NSEP has enlisted the help of private veterinarians, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), livestock associations and other organisations in an effort to be more accessible to the public.