Can Genetics Stop the Screwworm? A New Weapon Against The Threat?

The New World screwworm is one of the most disturbing parasites in North America. Unlike ordinary maggots that typically consume dead tissue, screwworm larvae infest wounds and feed on the living flesh of warm-blooded animals. The parasite was eradicated from the United States decades ago, but in 2026 it returned to the U.S. mainland, creating serious concerns for livestock, wildlife and anyone responsible for protecting animals in affected areas. For generations, one of the primary weapons against screwworm has been the sterile insect technique—producing enormous numbers of sterile male flies and releasing them into affected areas to disrupt reproduction. But could the next major weapon against screwworm come from genetics? In this episode of Dark Outdoors, Chester Moore talks with Matt James of Colossal Biosciences about the potential for advanced genetic technologies to change the fight against New World screwworm. Colossal has publicly discussed the possibility of using genetic biocontrol and gene-drive technology against the parasite. The basic concept is remarkable: instead of simply releasing sterile flies generation after generation, genetic tools could potentially introduce traits designed to interfere with reproduction and drive those traits through a screwworm population. Moore and James discuss what this technology could mean, how genetics might complement existing eradication methods, and the much larger question surrounding modern conservation biotechnology: Can we use our growing ability to manipulate genetics not only to save threatened species, but to fight organisms threatening wildlife and livestock? It's a fascinating intersection of wildlife conservation, emerging biotechnology and one of the nastiest parasites imaginable. The New World screwworm is back. Could genetics help send it away again? Dark Outdoors investigates terrifying encounters, unsolved mysteries, true crime and dangerous wildlife—because the outdoors has a dark side.