Fact Check: "Flesh-eating maggots were eradicated from the US in 1966."
What We Know
The claim that "flesh-eating maggots were eradicated from the US in 1966" refers to the larvae of certain fly species, particularly the Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the New World screwworm. This species is known for infesting and feeding on living tissue, which can lead to severe infections in animals and humans.
Historically, the New World screwworm was a significant pest in the United States, causing extensive damage to livestock. The eradication efforts began in the 1950s and were notably successful by the 1970s, primarily through the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) where sterilized males were released to mate with wild females, leading to a decline in the population (source, source). By 1966, the infestation was significantly reduced, but not completely eradicated.
Analysis
While the claim suggests a complete eradication in 1966, evidence indicates that the New World screwworm was not entirely eliminated from the US until the 1980s. The SIT program was initiated in 1958, and by 1966, the program had shown promising results, but the species was still present in some areas (source). The last reported case of screwworm infestation in the continental United States occurred in the early 1980s, which aligns with the timeline of successful eradication efforts (source).
The sources discussing the eradication efforts are credible, as they come from entomological studies and agricultural reports that document the history and impact of the New World screwworm in the US. However, the claim's wording implies a definitive end to the problem in 1966, which does not accurately reflect the gradual process of eradication that continued for years after that date.
Conclusion
The claim that "flesh-eating maggots were eradicated from the US in 1966" is Unverified. While significant progress was made by that year, the complete eradication of the New World screwworm did not occur until the 1980s. The assertion oversimplifies the complex and lengthy process of pest control and eradication.
