USDA Using AI To Fight NWS

USDA researchers are using artificial intelligence and predictive modeling to help protect livestock from New World screwworm. The goal is to help ranchers and animal health officials get ahead of infestations — directing surveillance, trapping and sterile flies to the areas where they could have the greatest impact.

“Everything in modern agriculture and pest management is moving toward precision intervention and that includes the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for control of New World Screwworm. Modeling their movement and using this information for optimal placement maximizes our impact and hastens eradication” said Dr. Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics at USDA.

How Will AI Be Used?

The sterile insect technique uses sterilized male flies to disrupt reproduction and reduce screwworm populations.

USDA noted predictive models use advanced analytic tools and artificial intelligence to interpret ecological, environmental, and historical information to predict where New World screwworm is likely to become established and the potential pathways it may follow to spread. The models look at the following factors:

Ecological and habitat suitability to identify landscapes and habitats that naturally support New World screwworm and map the regions in which this pest could move through favorable environments.
Environmental conditions to monitor key factors such as temperature and precipitation, because they can directly influence New World screwworm survival, reproduction, and spread. Changes in the weather, such as seasonal changes, can raise or lower the risk of New World screwworm infestations.
Historical outbreaks and patterns to anticipate where New World screwworm may move next. The models also review past management efforts, highlighting actions that effectively slowed this pest and those that were not successful. This information will aid in the development of new mitigation strategies.

“We now have at our disposal incredible tools to help re-eradicate New World screwworm that were not available to our predecessors, including advanced AI and predictive modeling tools that can be employed to help us forecast where New World screwworm infestations are likely to pop up,” said Kim Lohmeyer, Director of the ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, TX. “Having any kind of forewarning system that helps guide surveillance and management decisions is a game changer in our fight to respond quickly to this urgent pest.”

Prevention Is Still Key

USDA says livestock owners should remain vigilant, avoid moving animals suspected of infestation, and work with state animal health officials on movement requirements. USDA reminds livestock owners to get the latest information and updates about New World screwworm, by visit USDA's Screwworm Website.

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