The Sterile Fly Technique: How Mexico and the United States Eradicated the Plague of the Sweeping Worm More than 20 Years Ago

More than twenty years ago, Mexico and the United States managed to eradicate one of the most devastating pests for livestock: that of the sweeping worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). One of the keys to achieving this was the sterile insect technique (TIE), a form of biological control that allows to interrupt the reproductive cycle of the fly. This method has been successful in controlling various pests and is currently being used in the Mexican te…

Mexico was able to eliminate the pest worm from livestock in 1991, a phytosanitary feat that marked a milestone in pest control at the global level.This success was based on a binational strategy and the application of an innovative biological method.The Plant Producer of sterile flies was key in the biological control of this pest The key infrastructure for this eradication was the Plant Producer of Esterile Flies, established in Tuxtla Gutiérr…