Tamaulipas University uses drones against screwworm fly to curb pest advance

The Autonomous University of Tamaulipas (UAT) has deployed drones in a novel effort to curb the spread of the destructive screwworm fly, a significant threat to livestock in the region. This pioneering strategy involves using drones to apply a chemical barrier over cattle, designed to inhibit the advance of the fly that transmits the pest.

Rector Dámaso Anaya Alvarado highlighted the innovative approach, stating, "We are using technology, with a drone to try to inhibit the passage of the screwworm fly. No one is doing this nationally. I have already informed the governor about this; we are going to put up a barrier so the fly cannot advance."

This initiative is part of a broader series of innovation and applied research projects championed by the university in collaboration with the Tamaulipas state government. The university is committed to supporting the state's sanitary efforts through its research capabilities.

The project began in the municipality of Burgos and is expanding to communities like Güémez in the central part of the state. Approximately 40 students and four researchers from UAT's faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering and Sciences are participating in the brigades working on these control measures. The university emphasizes the importance of generating knowledge and developing solutions with a direct impact on Tamaulipas, with many of its research endeavors gaining national recognition.

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We are using technology, with a drone to try to inhibit the passage of the screwworm fly. No one is doing this nationally. I have already informed the governor about this; we are going to put up a barrier so the fly cannot advance.