The New World screwworm is rapidly spreading northward in Mexico, moving closer to the U.S. border. This parasitic fly infests mammals, including livestock, wildlife and sometimes people, causing severe tissue damage or death if left untreated. To advance research into this devastating pest, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research’s (FFAR) rapid response program, Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR), is seeking research proposals on New World screwworm risk assessment, prevention and treatment.
The New World screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966; however, over the past few years, it has been increasingly detected in Panama and Mexico. The fly is expected to severely impact producers and the hunting and wildlife industry in Texas if it reaches the U.S., with cattle producers losing an estimated $2.1 billion and the hunting and wildlife industry losing $9 billion. As this pest reemerges, the agriculture industry needs effective solutions to protect livestock, producer bottom lines and the U.S. food supply.
To complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recently announced efforts, FFAR is seeking research proposals that inform New World screwworm risk assessment, evaluate changing dynamics since its eradication from the U.S., establish withdrawal times and environmental impacts of treatment protocols, identify prevention strategies for livestock, poultry and wildlife at scale and other topics related to New World screwworm. FFAR’s unique rapid funding capability through the ROAR program will help fill current research gaps while USDA implements its plan.
ROAR applications are subject to a rigorous scientific review process and matching funding requirements. FFAR encourages applicants to form broad-based coalitions to increase research collaboration and maximize the adoption of new knowledge and practices by the agriculture sector.
The ROAR webpage includes more information on program requirements and instructions on submitting a concept note.