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do Vale TL, Costa AR, Miranda LM, Silva GF, Silva NCS, Lima TB, Chaves DP, Sager H, Lasmar PVF, Costa-Junior LM. Efficacy of lotilaner against myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in naturally infested dogs. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:86. [PMID: 36879347 PMCID: PMC9987041 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05661-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is widely distributed across South America. This parasitic insect is a significant cause of primary myiasis in animals, including dogs. There is an urgent need for a rapid and efficient treatment to improve the recovery of affected animals. In the present study we evaluated the potential of lotilaner for the treatment of myiasis caused by C. hominivorax larvae in naturally infested dogs. Lotilaner belongs to the isoxazoline class of chemical compounds and is marketed as Credelio™ for use against ticks and fleas in dogs and cats. METHODS Eleven dogs with naturally acquired myiasis were enrolled in this study based on the severity of lesions and the number of identified larvae. All animals received a single oral administration of lotilaner at a minimum dose of 20.5 mg/kg body weight. After treatment, the number of expelled larvae, live or dead, was determined at 2, 6 and 24 h, and the larval expulsion rate, larvicidal effect and overall efficacy were calculated. After 24 h, the remaining larvae were removed, counted and identified. The lesions were cleaned, and palliative treatment was administered when necessary, according to the animal's health status. RESULTS All larvae were identified as C. hominivorax. The larval expulsion rate was 80.5% and 93.0% at 2 and 6 h post-treatment, respectively. Lotilaner showed an overall efficacy of 100% at 24 h post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS Lotilaner demonstrated a rapid onset of action and a high efficacy against C. hominivorax. We therefore recommend lotilaner for the effective treatment of myiasis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tássia Lopes do Vale
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Alcyjara Rego Costa
- Department of Pathology, State University of Maranhão (UEMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Tiago Barbalho Lima
- Department of Pathology, State University of Maranhão (UEMA), São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | | | - Heinz Sager
- Elanco Animal Health Inc, Basel, Switzerland
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Development of a diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel for identifying geographic origins of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm. Vet Parasitol 2023; 315:109884. [PMID: 36701943 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, causes myiasis in livestock, humans, and other warm-blooded animals in much of South America and the Caribbean. It has been eradicated from North and Central America using the sterile insect technique and a biological barrier is currently maintained at the Panama - Colombian border. However, C. hominivorax is still a threat to eradicated areas as outbreaks can and do occur. In order to identify the origin of a fly involved in an outbreak scenario, diagnostic tools would be beneficial. Recently, the geographic population structure of this species was identified using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Here we characterize the three major regional clusters: South America, the Inner Caribbean, and the Outer Caribbean. The objective of this study was to develop a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) panel to distinguish between these three clusters. A panel was developed using two unique SNPs per region for a total of six SNPs. This diagnostic SNP assay will allow for rapid source determination of flies from future incursions in order to intercept introductory pathways and aid in the control of New World screwworm.
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Bambaradeniya YTB, Magni PA, Dadour IR. Traumatic sheep myiasis: A review of the current understanding. Vet Parasitol 2023; 314:109853. [PMID: 36577285 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Myiasis, or the infestation of live humans and vertebrate animals by dipterous larvae, is a health issue worldwide. The economic impact and potential threat to animal health and wellbeing of this disease under the animal husbandry sector is considerable. Sheep are a highly vulnerable livestock category exposed to myiasis (sheep strike), due to several unique predisposing factors that attract flies. The successful mitigation of this disease relies on a thorough understanding of fly population dynamics associated with the change in weather patterns and the evaluation of this disease through different branches of science such as chemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology. The present review provides a summary of the existing knowledge of strike in sheep, discussed in relation to the application of volatile organic compounds, metagenomics, and molecular biology, and their use regarding implementing fly control strategies such as traps, and to increase the resilience of sheep to this disease through improving their health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y T B Bambaradeniya
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - P A Magni
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Murdoch University Singapore, King's Centre, Singapore.
| | - I R Dadour
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Source Certain, PO Box 1570, Wangara DC, Western Australia 6947, Australia.
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Vorsino AE, Xi Z. A mass rearing cost calculator for the control of Culex quinquefasciatus in Hawai'i using the incompatible insect technique. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:453. [PMID: 36471389 PMCID: PMC9724328 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05522-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hawai'i's native forest avifauna is experiencing drastic declines due to climate change-induced increases in temperature encroaching on their upper-elevation montane rainforest refugia. Higher temperatures support greater avian malaria infection rates due to greater densities of its primary vector, the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus, and enhance development of the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum. Here we propose the use of the incompatible insect technique (IIT) or the combined IIT/sterile insect technique (SIT) for the landscape-scale (i.e., area-wide) control of Cx. quinquefasciatus, and have developed a calculator to estimate the costs of IIT and IIT/SIT applications at various sites in Hawai'i. METHODS The overall cost of the infrastructure, personnel, and space necessary to produce incompatible adult males for release is calculated in a unit of ~ 1 million culicid larvae/week. We assessed the rearing costs and need for effective control at various elevations in Hawai'i using a 10:1 overflooding ratio at each elevation. The calculator uses a rate describing the number of culicids needed to control wild-type mosquitoes at each site/elevation, in relation to the number of larval rearing units. This rate is a constant from which other costs are quantified. With minor modifications, the calculator described here can be applied to other areas, mosquito species, and similar techniques. To test the robustness of our calculator, the Kaua'i-specific culicid IIT/SIT infrastructure costs were also compared to costs from Singapore, Mexico, and China using the yearly cost of control per hectare, and purchasing power parity between sites for the cost of 1000 IIT/SIT males. RESULTS As a proof of concept, we have used the calculator to estimate rearing infrastructure costs for an application of IIT in the Alaka'i Wilderness Reserve on the island of Kaua'i. Our analysis estimated an initial investment of at least ~ $1.16M with subsequent yearly costs of approximately $376K. Projections of rearing costs for control at lower elevations are ~ 100 times greater than in upper elevation forest bird refugia. These results are relatively comparable to those real-world cost estimates developed for IIT/SIT culicid male production in other countries when inflation and purchasing power parity are considered. We also present supplemental examples of infrastructure costs needed to control Cx. quinquefasciatus in the home range of 'i'iwi Drepanis coccinea, and the yellow fever vector Aedes aegypti. CONCLUSIONS Our cost calculator can be used to effectively estimate the mass rearing cost of an IIT/SIT program. Therefore, the linear relationship of rearing infrastructure to costs used in this calculator is useful for developing a conservative cost estimate for IIT/SIT culicid mass rearing infrastructure. These mass rearing cost estimates vary based on the density of the targeted organism at the application site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam E. Vorsino
- Strategic Habitat Conservation Program, Ecological Services, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Blvd Ste. 3-122, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96850 USA
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, 314 Giltner Hall, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
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Tussey DA, Linthicum KJ, Hahn DA. Does severe hypoxia during irradiation of Aedes aegypti pupae improve sterile male performance? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:446. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05577-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, vectors several pathogens responsible for human diseases. As a result, this mosquito species is a priority for control by mosquito control districts in Florida. With insecticide resistance development becoming a concern, alternative control strategies are needed for Ae. aegypti. Sterile insect technique (SIT) is an increasingly popular option that is being explored as a practical area-wide control method. However, questions about sterile male performance persist. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent to which hypoxia exposure prior to and during irradiation effects the longevity, activity and mating competitiveness of sterile male Ae. aegypti.
Methods
Male longevity was monitored and analyzed using Cox regression. Mosquito activity was recorded by an infrared beam sensor rig that detected movement. Competing models were created to analyze movement data. Fecundity and fertility were measured in females mated with individual males by treatment and analyzed using one-way ANOVAs. Mating competition studies were performed to compare both hypoxia and normoxia treated sterile males to fertile males. Competitiveness of groups was compared using Fried’s competitiveness index.
Results
First, we found that subjecting Ae. aegypti pupae to 1 h of severe hypoxia (< 1 kPa O2) did not directly increase mortality. One hour of hypoxia was found to prevent decreases in longevity of irradiated males compared to males irradiated in normoxic conditions. Exposure to hypoxia prior to irradiation did not significantly improve activity of sterile males except at the highest doses of radiation. Hypoxia did significantly increase the required dose of radiation to achieve > 95% male sterility compared to males irradiated under normoxic conditions. Males sterilized after an hour in hypoxic conditions were significantly more competitive against fertile males compared to males irradiated under normoxic conditions despite requiring a higher dose of radiation to achieve sterility.
Conclusions
Hypoxia was found to greatly improve key performance metrics in sterile male Ae. aegypti without any significant drawbacks. Little work other than increasing the target dose for sterility needs to be conducted to incorporate hypoxia into SIT programs. These results suggest that SIT programs should consider including hypoxia in their sterile male production workflow.
Graphical Abstract
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Tandonnet S, Krsticevic F, Basika T, Papathanos PA, Torres TT, Scott MJ. A chromosomal-scale reference genome of the New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax. DNA Res 2022; 30:6825375. [PMID: 36370138 PMCID: PMC9835758 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsac042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Calliphoridae), is the most important myiasis-causing species in America. Screwworm myiasis is a zoonosis that can cause severe lesions in livestock, domesticated and wild animals, and occasionally in people. Beyond the sanitary problems associated with this species, these infestations negatively impact economic sectors, such as the cattle industry. Here, we present a chromosome-scale assembly of C. hominivorax's genome, organized in 6 chromosome-length and 515 unplaced scaffolds spanning 534 Mb. There was a clear correspondence between the D. melanogaster linkage groups A-E and the chromosomal-scale scaffolds. Chromosome quotient (CQ) analysis identified a single scaffold from the X chromosome that contains most of the orthologs of genes that are on the D. melanogaster fourth chromosome (linkage group F or dot chromosome). CQ analysis also identified potential X and Y unplaced scaffolds and genes. Y-linkage for selected regions was confirmed by PCR with male and female DNA. Some of the long chromosome-scale scaffolds include Y-linked sequences, suggesting misassembly of these regions. These resources will provide a basis for future studies aiming at understanding the biology and evolution of this devastating obligate parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Tandonnet
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Flavia Krsticevic
- Department of Entomology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tatiana Basika
- Present address: Pasteur+INIA Joint Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, CP 11400 Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Philippos A Papathanos
- Department of Entomology, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tatiana T Torres
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 919 515 0275; Fax: +1 919 515 7716.
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Tietjen M, Pérez de León AA, Sagel A, Skoda SR, Phillips PL, Mitchell RD, Caruth J, Durán U, Musai L, Tortosa S, Arp AP. Geographic Population Genetic Structure of the New World Screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Using SNPs. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:874-882. [PMID: 35323976 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel 1858) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a serious parasite of livestock, humans, and other warm-blooded animals. It has been eradicated from the northern parts of its historical range down to the Panama-Colombian border where a permanent barrier zone is maintained. This eradication was accomplished through using the sterile insect technique (SIT). In 2016 there was an outbreak of C. hominivorax in the Florida Keys. In only six months, this pest was successfully re-eradicated using SIT, but the geographic origin of the invasion has yet to be resolved. It was previously determined that the Florida flies most likely represented a single invasion, and it was recommended that a finer-scale genetic assessment should be completed. Thus, this current proof-of-concept study aimed to develop a population genetic database using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to reference outbreaks and potentially identify the origin of the Florida outbreak. This initial database consists of wild-caught samples from 4 geographic locations as well as laboratory colony samples that originated from 7 additional locations using a genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach. Geographic population structuring was identified for twelve populations that clustered according to geographic location. The Florida outbreak samples appeared similar to samples from the outer Caribbean cluster which included samples from Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, however, these results will be further clarified with the replacement of laboratory colony samples with future wild-caught samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie Tietjen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center: Parlier, CA, 93648, USA
| | - Agustin Sagel
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Screwworm Research Unit, Pacora, Panama
| | - Steve R Skoda
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Pamela L Phillips
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, International Services, International Services, Pacora, Panama
| | - Robert D Mitchell
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, 20460, USA
| | - Joanne Caruth
- Animal Health Unit, Division of Food Production Forestry and Fisheries, Tobago House of Assembly. Hope Farm, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Uziel Durán
- Direccion General de Ganaderia (DIGEGA), Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Lisa Musai
- Animal Production and Health Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Silvia Tortosa
- Direccion General de Ganaderia (DIGEGA), Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Alex P Arp
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Screwworm Research Unit, Pacora, Panama
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Disruption of the odorant coreceptor Orco impairs foraging and host finding behaviors in the New World screwworm fly. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11379. [PMID: 34059738 PMCID: PMC8167109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of obligate ectoparasitism in blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has intrigued scientists for over a century, and surprisingly, the genetics underlying this lifestyle remain largely unknown. Blowflies use odors to locate food and oviposition sites; therefore, olfaction might have played a central role in niche specialization within the group. In insects, the coreceptor Orco is a required partner for all odorant receptors (ORs), a major gene family involved in olfactory-evoked behaviors. Hence, we characterized the Orco gene in the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, a blowfly that is an obligate ectoparasite of warm-blooded animals. In contrast, most of the closely related blowflies are scavengers that lay their eggs on dead animals. We show that the screwworm Orco orthologue (ChomOrco) is highly conserved within Diptera, showing signals of strong purifying selection. Expression of ChomOrco is broadly detectable in chemosensory appendages, and is related to morphological, developmental, and behavioral aspects of the screwworm biology. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt ChomOrco and evaluate the consequences of losing the OR function on screwworm behavior. In two-choice assays, Orco mutants displayed an impaired response to floral-like and animal host-associated odors, suggesting that OR-mediated olfaction is involved in foraging and host-seeking behaviors in C. hominivorax. These results broaden our understanding of the chemoreception basis of niche occupancy by blowflies.
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Altuna M, Hickner PV, Castro G, Mirazo S, Pérez de León AA, Arp AP. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) myiasis in feral swine of Uruguay: One Health and transboundary disease implications. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:26. [PMID: 33413607 PMCID: PMC7789611 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are highly invasive and threaten animal and human health in the Americas. The screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is listed by the World Organization for Animal Health as a notifiable infestation because myiasis cases affect livestock, wildlife, and humans in endemic areas, and outbreaks can have major socioeconomic consequences in regions where the screwworm has been eradicated. However, a knowledge gap exists on screwworm infestation of feral swine in South America, where the screwworm is endemic. Here, we report screwworm infestation of feral swine harvested in Artigas Department (Uruguay), where the Republic of Uruguay shares borders with Brazil and Argentina. Methods Myiasis caused by the larvae of screwworm were identified in feral swine with the support and collaboration of members of a local feral swine hunting club over a 3-year period in the Department of Artigas. Harvested feral swine were examined for the presence of lesions where maggots causing the myiasis could be sampled and processed for taxonomic identification. The sites of myiasis on the body of infested feral swine and geospatial data for each case were recorded. The sex and relative size of each feral swine were also recorded. Temperature and precipitation profiles for the region were obtained from public sources. Results Myiases caused by screwworms were recorded in 27 of 618 the feral swine harvested. Cases detected in males weighing > 40 kg were associated with wounds that, due to their location, were likely caused by aggressive dominance behavior between adult males. The overall prevalence of screwworm infestation in the harvested feral swine was associated with ambient temperature, but not precipitation. Case numbers peaked in the warmer spring and summer months. Conclusions This is the first report on myiasis in feral swine caused by screwworm in South America. In contrast to myiasis in cattle, which can reach deep into host tissues, screwworms in feral swine tended to cause superficial infestation. The presence of feral swine in screwworm endemic areas represents a challenge to screwworm management in those areas. Screwworm populations maintained by feral swine may contribute to human cases in rural areas of Uruguay, which highlights the importance of the One Health approach to the study of this invasive host species–ectoparasite interaction.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Altuna
- Universidad de la República, Grupo Proyecto Jabalí, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Paul V Hickner
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, U.S.Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Gustavo Castro
- Universidad de la República, Grupo Proyecto Jabalí, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- Universidad de la República, Grupo Proyecto Jabalí, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, U.S.Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Alex P Arp
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, U.S.Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Kerrville, TX, USA.
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Shults P, Cohnstaedt LW, Adelman ZN, Brelsfoard C. Next-generation tools to control biting midge populations and reduce pathogen transmission. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:31. [PMID: 33413518 PMCID: PMC7788963 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04524-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides transmit disease-causing agents resulting in a significant economic impact on livestock industries in many parts of the world. Localized control efforts, such as removal of larval habitat or pesticide application, can be logistically difficult, expensive and ineffective if not instituted and maintained properly. With these limitations, a population-level approach to the management of Culicoides midges should be investigated as a means to replace or supplement existing control strategies. Next-generation control methods such as Wolbachia- and genetic-based population suppression and replacement are being investigated in several vector species. Here we assess the feasibility and applicability of these approaches for use against biting midges. We also discuss the technical and logistical hurdles needing to be addressed for each method to be successful, as well as emphasize the importance of addressing community engagement and involving stakeholders in the investigation and development of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Shults
- Texas A&M University, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Lee W Cohnstaedt
- USDA-ARS Arthropod Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Texas A&M University, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Yan Y, Scott MJ. Building a transgenic sexing strain for genetic control of the Australian sheep blow fly Lucilia cuprina using two lethal effectors. BMC Genet 2020; 21:141. [PMID: 33339506 PMCID: PMC8348823 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00947-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The sterile insect technique (SIT) has been
successfully used in many pest management programs worldwide.
Some SIT programs release both sexes due to the lack of genetic
sexing strains or efficient sex separation methods but sterile
females are ineffective control agents. Transgenic sexing
strains (TSS) using the tetracycline-off control system have
been developed in a variety of insect pests, from which females
die by either of two commonly used lethal effectors:
overexpression of the transcription factor tetracycline transactivator (tTA)
or ectopic expression of a proapoptotic gene, such as head involution defective
(hid). The lethality from
tTA overexpression is thought to be due to “transcriptional
squelching”, while hid causes
lethality by induction of apoptosis. This study aims to create
and characterize a TSS of Lucilia
cuprina, which is a major pest of sheep, by
combining both lethal effectors in a single transgenic
strain. Results Here a stable TSS of L.
cuprina (DH6) that carries two lethal effectors
was successfully generated, by crossing FL3#2 which carries a
female-specific tTA overexpression cassette, with EF1#12 which
carries a tTA-regulated LshidAla2 cassette. Females with
one copy of the FL3#2 transgene are viable but up to 99.8% of
homozygous females die at the pupal stage when raised on diet
that lacks tetracycline. Additionally, the female lethality of
FL3#2 was partially repressed by supplying tetracycline to the
parental generation. With an additional LshidAla2 effector, the female
lethality of DH6 is 100% dominant and cannot be repressed by
maternal tetracycline. DH6 females die at the late-larval stage.
Several fitness parameters important for mass rearing such as
hatching rate, adult emergence and sex ratio were comparable to
those of the wild type strain. Conclusions Compared to the parental FL3#2 strain, the DH6
strain shows stronger female lethality and lethality occurs at
an earlier stage of development. The combination of two
tTA-dependent lethal effectors could improve strain stability
under mass rearing and could reduce the risk of resistance in
the field if fertile males are released. Our approach could be
easily adapted for other pest species for an efficient, safe and
sustainable genetic control program. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available
at 10.1186/s12863-020-00947-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yan
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA.,Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA.
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Concha C, Yan Y, Arp A, Quilarque E, Sagel A, de León AP, McMillan WO, Skoda S, Scott MJ. An early female lethal system of the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, for biotechnology-enhanced SIT. BMC Genet 2020; 21:143. [PMID: 33339501 PMCID: PMC7747452 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-00948-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The New World Screwworm fly (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, is an ectoparasite of warm-blooded animals and a major pest of livestock in parts of South America and the Caribbean where it remains endemic. In North and Central America it was eradicated using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). A control program is managed cooperatively between the governments of the United States and Panama to prevent the northward spread of NWS from infested countries in South America. This is accomplished by maintaining a permanent barrier through the release of millions of sterile male and female flies in the border between Panama and Colombia. Our research team demonstrated the utility of biotechnology-enhanced approaches for SIT by developing a male-only strain of the NWS. The strain carried a single component tetracycline repressible female lethal system where females died at late larval/pupal stages. The control program can be further improved by removing females during embryonic development as larval diet costs are significant. RESULTS The strains developed carry a two-component system consisting of the Lucilia sericata bottleneck gene promoter driving expression of the tTA gene and a tTA-regulated Lshid proapoptotic effector gene. Insertion of the sex-specifically spliced intron from the C. hominivorax transformer gene within the Lshid gene ensures that only females die when insects are reared in the absence of tetracycline. In several double homozygous two-component strains and in one "All-in-one" strain that had both components in a single construct, female lethality occurred at the embryonic and/or first instar larval stages when raised on diet without tetracycline. Laboratory evaluation for phenotypes that are relevant for mass rearing in a production facility revealed that most strains had fitness characteristics similar to the wild type J06 strain that is currently reared for release in the permanent barrier. Testing of an "All in one" strain under mass rearing conditions showed that the strain maintained the fitness characteristics observed in small-scale rearing. CONCLUSIONS The early female lethal strains described here could be selected by the NWS Control Program for testing at large scale in the production facility to enhance the efficiency of the NWS eradication program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Concha
- Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG), Pacora, Panama. .,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama City, Panama.
| | - Ying Yan
- Department for Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394, Gießen, Germany
| | - Alex Arp
- USDA-ARS, Screwworm Research Site, Apartado 0816-07636, Pacora, Panama.,Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Evelin Quilarque
- USDA-ARS, Screwworm Research Site, Apartado 0816-07636, Pacora, Panama
| | - Agustin Sagel
- USDA-ARS, Screwworm Research Site, Apartado 0816-07636, Pacora, Panama
| | - Adalberto Pérez de León
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - W Owen McMillan
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado 0843-03092, Panama City, Panama
| | - Steven Skoda
- USDA-ARS, Screwworm Research Site, Apartado 0816-07636, Pacora, Panama.,Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA.
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Physiological and molecular correlates of the screwworm fly attraction to wound and animal odors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20771. [PMID: 33247186 PMCID: PMC7695851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77541-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), was successfully eradicated from the United States by the sterile insect technique (SIT). However, recent detection of these flies in the Florida Keys, and increased risk of introductions to the other areas warrant novel tools for management of the flies. Surveillance, a key component of screwworm control programs, utilizes traps baited with rotting liver or a blend of synthetic chemicals such as swormlure-4. In this work, we evaluated the olfactory physiology of the screwworm fly and compared it with the non-obligate ectoparasitic secondary screwworm flies, C. macellaria, that invade necrotic wound and feed on dead tissue. These two species occur in geographically overlapping regions. C. macellaria, along with other blowflies such as the exotic C. megacephala, greatly outnumber C. hominivorax in the existing monitoring traps. Olfactory responses to swormlure-4 constituents between sex and mating status (mated vs unmated) in both species were recorded and compared. Overall, responses measured by the antennograms offered insights into the comparative olfactory physiology of the two fly species. We also present detailed analyses of the antennal transcriptome by RNA-Sequencing that reveal significant differences between male and female screwworm flies. The differential expression patterns were confirmed by quantitative PCR. Taken together, this integrated study provides insights into the physiological and molecular correlates of the screwworm’s attraction to wounds, and identifies molecular targets that will aid in the development of odorant-based fly management strategies.
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Brisola Marcondes C, Canale A, Benelli G. Lysenko and the Screwworm Fly-When Politics Interferes with Science and Public Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6687. [PMID: 32937878 PMCID: PMC7557419 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the One Health scenario, a deep understanding of the dynamics potentially threatening the development and implementation of useful pest and vector management tools is of key importance. The New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is characterized by a wide host range. It acts as an important agent of myiasis in humans and warm-blooded animals in the Neotropics, and has been eliminated from a wide region through genetic methods. Of note, Serebrovsky had already proposed in 1940 the principles of autocidal control by the translocation of segments between two chromosomes, but his work was negated by Lysenko, based on the negation of Mendelian genetics. This entomological case study emphasizes the danger of politics interfering with science, a still contemporary hot issue. The negation of global warming or current pandemics are further examples of this noxious influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Brisola Marcondes
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil;
| | - Angelo Canale
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
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15
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Scott MJ, Benoit JB, Davis RJ, Bailey ST, Varga V, Martinson EO, Hickner PV, Syed Z, Cardoso GA, Torres TT, Weirauch MT, Scholl EH, Phillippy AM, Sagel A, Vasquez M, Quintero G, Skoda SR. Genomic analyses of a livestock pest, the New World screwworm, find potential targets for genetic control programs. Commun Biol 2020; 3:424. [PMID: 32753684 PMCID: PMC7403345 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01152-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The New World Screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, is a major pest of livestock in South America and Caribbean. However, few genomic resources have been available for this species. A genome of 534 Mb was assembled from long read PacBio DNA sequencing of DNA from a highly inbred strain. Analysis of molecular evolution identified 40 genes that are likely under positive selection. Developmental RNA-seq analysis identified specific genes associated with each stage. We identify and analyze the expression of genes that are likely important for host-seeking behavior (chemosensory), development of larvae in open wounds in warm-blooded animals (heat shock protein, immune response) and for building transgenic strains for genetic control programs including gene drive (sex determination, germline). This study will underpin future experiments aimed at understanding the parasitic lifestyle of the screwworm fly and greatly facilitate future development of strains for efficient systems for genetic control of screwworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA.
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, McMicken School of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Rebecca J Davis
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7613, USA
| | - Samuel T Bailey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, McMicken School of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Virag Varga
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, McMicken School of Arts and Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Ellen O Martinson
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Paul V Hickner
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | | | - Gisele A Cardoso
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana T Torres
- Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Elizabeth H Scholl
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7566, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7566, USA
| | - Adam M Phillippy
- Genome Informatics Section, Computational and Statistical Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven R Skoda
- USDA-ARS, Tick and Biting Fly Research Unit, Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
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16
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Hennessey MJ, Hsi DJ, Davis JS, Delgado AH, Allen HA, Jandegian CM, Skoda SR, Guerena Watts K, Gibbs SEJ, Powell B, Welch JB, Phillips PL, Kitchen DL, Christy GS, Bonilla DL. Use of a multiagency approach to eradicate New World screwworm flies from Big Pine Key, Florida, following an outbreak of screwworm infestation (September 2016-March 2017). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2020; 255:908-914. [PMID: 31573861 DOI: 10.2460/javma.255.8.908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
On September 30, 2016, the US National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed an autochthonous case of New World screwworm infestation in a Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium) from Big Pine Key, Fla. This case marked the first identification of a sustained and reproducing population of New World screwworm flies in the United States since 1966. Multiple federal, state, and local government agencies collaborated to initiate a response to the outbreak. Efforts were successful in eradicating the flies from Florida.
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Barros GPD, Bricarello PA. Myiasis by <i>Cochliomyia hominivorax</i> (Coquerel, 1858): A Neglected Zoonosis in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2020.106007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Kading RC, Abworo EO, Hamer GL. Rift Valley Fever Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, and African Swine Fever Virus: Three Transboundary, Vector-Borne, Veterinary Biothreats With Diverse Surveillance, and Response Capacity Needs. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:458. [PMID: 31921916 PMCID: PMC6923192 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early detection of emerging foreign animal diseases is critical to pathogen surveillance and control programs. Rift valley fever virus (RVFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and African swine fever virus (ASFV) represent three taxonomically and ecologically diverse vector-borne viruses with the potential to be introduced to the United States. To promote preparedness for such an event, we reviewed the current surveillance strategies and diagnostic tools in practice around the world for these emerging viruses, and summarized key points pertaining to the availability of existing guidelines and strategic approaches for early detection, surveillance, and disease management activities. We compare and contrast the surveillance and management approaches of these three diverse agents of disease as case studies to emphasize the importance of the ecological context and biology of vectors and vertebrate hosts. The information presented in this review will inform stakeholders of the current state of surveillance approaches against these transboundary foreign animal disease which threaten the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah C Kading
- Arthropod-Borne Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | | | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Murillo AC. Highlights in the Field of Veterinary Entomology, 2018. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1194-1198. [PMID: 31505666 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The 2018 annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America meeting theme 'Crossing Boarders' guided the veterinary highlight compilation of papers, focusing on the themes: 1) emerging and re-emerging pest threats; 2) alternative control methods; and 3) tools for future research. Here the papers presented are summarized to serve as a presentation archive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Murillo
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA
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20
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Gutierrez AP, Ponti L, Arias PA. Deconstructing the eradication of new world screwworm in North America: retrospective analysis and climate warming effects. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:282-295. [PMID: 30758067 PMCID: PMC6849717 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Before its eradication from North America, the subtropical-tropical new world screwworm fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) invaded southwestern temperate areas of the U.S.A., where it caused myiasis in wildlife and livestock. Outbreaks of the fly occurred during years when adult migrants were carried northward on North American monsoon winds from the northern areas of Mexico and south Texas. We deconstruct, retrospectively, the biology and the effect of weather on the eradication of the fly in North America. Screwworm was found to be an ideal candidate for eradication using the sterile insect technique (SIT) because females mate only once, whereas males are polygynous, and, although it has a high reproductive potential, field population growth rates are low in tropical areas. In northern areas, eradication was enhanced by cool-cold weather, whereas eradication in tropical Mexico and Central America is explained by the SIT. Despite low average efficacy of SIT releases (approximately 1.7%), the added pressure of massive SIT releases reduced intrinsically low fly populations, leading to mate-limited extinction. Non-autochthonous cases of myiasis occur in North America and, if the fly reestablishes, climate warming by 2045-2055 will expand the area of favourability and increase the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. P. Gutierrez
- Center for the Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CASAS Global)KensingtonCAU.S.A.
- Division of Ecosystem Science, College of Natural ResourcesUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAU.S.A.
| | - L. Ponti
- Center for the Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Systems (CASAS Global)KensingtonCAU.S.A.
- Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (ENEA), Centro Ricerche CasacciaRomeItaly
| | - P. A. Arias
- Grupo de Ingeniería y Gestión Ambiental (GIGA), Escuela Ambiental, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de AntioquiaMedellínColombia
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Welfare Dilemmas Created by Keeping Insects in Captivity. Anim Welf 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-13947-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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22
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News Feature: The race to extinguish insect pests by enlisting their own kind. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:7839-7843. [PMID: 30065101 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1811000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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