SCREWWORM (COCHLIOMYIA HOMINIVORAX) AND ITS ERADICATION IN NORTH AFRICA USING STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE - II. ERADICATION PROGRAMME
KOUBA, V.
Abstract
The discovery of the screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax
in Libya in 1988 represented an emergency for the surrounding regions. Classical
treating diseased animals and preventive spraying by insecticides proved to
be not in the position to block screwworm spreading and eradicate it. Decision
was made to use sterile insect technique. Irradiated sterile flies were airlifted
from Mexico factory. There were dispersed aerially about 1260 million flies
covering 25000 km2 of invaded territories and 15000 km2 of protective barrier
zones. This method requiring long demanding preparation and solving immense
problems of biological, managerial, financial and social character conduced
to eradication in less than one year. Afterward North Africa as well as Eastern
Hemisphere could be declared to be again free of this myiasis. Pre-eradication
programme cost about 10 million US$ and the eradication 80 million US$. Benefit-cost
ratio was very high.
Key words:
Cochliomyia hominivorax - screwworm - disease control
- disease eradication -sterile insect technique.