Jason Sawyer

It is a threat that can be mitigated and ultimately eradicated.

You know, we've done it before.

We can do it again.

The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays its eggs in the wounds of livestock and other animals and feeds on their flesh.

It was a devastating pest for the cattle industry in the 1900s before a massive eradication program largely vanquished the fly from the U.S.

Jason Sawyer, chief science officer for East Foundation, a nonprofit and ranching operation, says his industry has been preparing for this.

The eradication strategy largely relies on releasing millions of sterile male flies that mate with wild females, which causes the population to decline over time.

Will Stone, NPR News.

It is a threat that can be mitigated and ultimately eradicated.

You know, we've done it before.

We can do it again.