Episode 108 - The Return of Screwworm

Biology can be beautiful and disgusting all at once. This is why I loved studying biology and parasites, and why I am captivated by the story of screwworm.Screwworm is a nasty parasite that is making a come back in North America and in this episode we'll dive into the story of screwworm and hear from Dr. Phillip Kaufman, Head of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M. He breaks down how screwworm returned and why that's a major problem.I love this story because it demonstrates the power of adaptation and how studying a parasite like screwworm through the lens of adaptation helps us find ways to fight back.Takeaways:The New World Screwworm's return exemplifies the intricate relationship between parasitism and adaptation in biological systems.Understanding the ecological impact of the New World Screwworm is crucial for livestock management and prevention of economic losses.The sterile insect technique has proven effective in controlling the screwworm population, highlighting innovative approaches to pest management.The cooperation between countries is vital in managing the spread of pests and diseases, as exemplified by the efforts to eradicate the screwworm.The complexities of insect life, particularly parasitic species, provide insights into the adaptability and resilience of organisms in various environments.The return of the New World Screwworm serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance in ecological monitoring and research.New World Screwworm Outbreak | New World Screwworm | CDCCOPEG – Comisión Panamá – Estados Unidos para la Erradicación y Prevención del Gusano Barrenador del GanadoNew World Screwworm: Rise, Fall and ResurgencePhillip Kaufman - Department of Entomology - Texas A&MThis is the only link you need to subscirbe and never miss an episode of Two Brad For You. Please do rate and review it really helps us out.If you'd like to support the show with currency click here. We are grateful for that too. Finally, you can check out the website here.Many thanks to Freak Motif for the music and Sebastian Abboud for the logo.