Why the US Air Drops Billions of Flies Over Panama Each Month

Why is the U.S. government dropping millions of flies over Panama? It might sound strange, but this operation is part of a vital mission to protect livestock, wildlife, and even human lives from a deadly parasite called the New World screwworm. These parasitic flies lay their eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on living tissue, causing immense suffering and death.
To combat this threat, the U.S. has employed a groundbreaking method known as the Sterile Insect Technique. Planes like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Douglas DC-3 are specially equipped to air-drop millions of sterile flies across Panama. These flies can mate with female screwworms, but their offspring will never hatch, effectively reducing the screwworm population.
In this video, we’ll take you inside the aircraft, explore how this operation works, and explain why Panama’s location is critical in stopping the spread of screwworms across the continent. Discover the fascinating science behind this airborne battle and how it’s saving millions of dollars in potential agricultural losses while safeguarding ecosystems.

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