AWhat changed
Researchers developed and field-tested the release of sterilized screwworm flies so that mating would not produce viable offspring. The approach offered an area-wide way to control a damaging livestock parasite.
Scientific scope
Researchers developed and field-tested the release of sterilized screwworm flies so that mating would not produce viable offspring. The approach offered an area-wide way to control a damaging livestock parasite. Scope limitation: The island demonstration did not establish permanent worldwide eradication. Immigration, surveillance, rearing and repeated releases matter. These two named researchers are not a complete operational-team roster, and the method is not suitable for every pest.
Evidence
Assessment uses the catalogue-linked source evidence for the stated contribution. The island demonstration did not establish permanent worldwide eradication. Immigration, surveillance, rearing and repeated releases matter. These two named researchers are not a complete operational-team roster, and the method is not suitable for every pest.
Contributors
- Edward F. Knipling · SCIENCE: Named source contributor; exact labor shares are not measured.
- Raymond C. Bushland · SCIENCE: Named source contributor; exact labor shares are not measured.
- USDA ARS: The screwworm eradication programme
- USDA National Agricultural Library: Screwworm collection, 1953–1955
Provisional WRS assessment, edition 2026-10-16.1. Independent expert calibration is pending. This grade does not certify correctness or assign ownership.
Full scientific record · Browse contribution grades · Request a correction