The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is developing fast-acting, low-residue wound treatments to deploy immediately when New World screwworm infestations are detected in livestock. Dr. Mustafa E.S. Akbulut leads the $1.86 million project.
Addressing a National Biosecurity Threat
The New World screwworm is a parasite that feeds on living tissue. It is currently surging across Central America and Mexico, with more than 150,000 animal cases reported. Recently, cases have been reported in Texas and New Mexico. Federal models estimate that a large outbreak in Texas alone could cause more than $1.8 billion in livestock losses.
While the sterile insect technique remains the backbone of regional suppression, it cannot treat an already-infested animal. This leaves ranchers and veterinarians without a rapid solution for individual animals. Dr. Akbulut, associate professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, noted that releasing sterile flies works over months but does nothing for an infested calf present at that moment.
Developing Field-Ready Formulations
The TEES-led team is developing three field-ready formulations that combine reduced doses of synthetic macrocyclic lactones with botanical synergists such as neem and eugenol. These prototypes include a wound-conforming foam for high-retention coverage, a bio-adhesive spray for rapid application, and an immersion wash for high-throughput treatment.
The goal is to deliver rapid death of larvae and destruction of their life cycle while minimizing chemical residues in milk, meat, and the environment. Dr. Akbulut explained that emergency drugs currently available dose the whole animal to treat a single wound. The new foam and spray are designed to stick to the wound and use a much smaller dose of the drug.
