Why the US Air Drops Billions of Flies Over Panama Each Month

Why is the U.S. government dropping millions of flies over Panama? It might sound strange, but this operation is part of a vital mission to protect livestock, wildlife, and even human lives from a deadly parasite called the New World screwworm. These parasitic flies lay their eggs in the wounds of warm-blooded animals, and when the larvae hatch, they feed on living tissue, causing immense suffering and death.
To combat this threat, the U.S. has employed a groundbreaking method known as the Sterile Insect Technique. Planes like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Douglas DC-3 are specially equipped to air-drop millions of sterile flies across Panama. These flies can mate with female screwworms, but their offspring will never hatch, effectively reducing the screwworm population.
In this video, we’ll take you inside the aircraft, explore how this operation works, and explain why Panama’s location is critical in stopping the spread of screwworms across the continent. Discover the fascinating science behind this airborne battle and how it’s saving millions of dollars in potential agricultural losses while safeguarding ecosystems.

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#panama
#parasite
#beyondfacts

[uphigh]

Long talk without giving the main information

[leomontgomery]

I was in Panama in 1977 while in the military for jungle training 2 weeks

[craxd]

Person inquiring about the flies: "How hard it is to do a vasectomy on a fly?"

Scientist with dumbfounded look: "..."

[Master_YanRBX]

Very interesting!I didn't know about those flies!

[starguard]

Go to 7:30 for your answer. You're welcome!

[Lights.Liights]

The yard behind me has cattle; they are always covered in flies. And those flies like to you don't like it.

[kamauwikeepa]

Dangerous! Technology improves, and if they don't?

[tayzonday]

Haha the flies are dispensed though a small tube but that that didn’t work for the thumbnail ❤

[khkhmiles]

Didn't get it, screwworm mother and American house fly are the same ?

[meetim]

2:05 just throw in a random Air Tractor while talking about a King Air, why not.

[IshaqIbrahim]

What if the flies are more destructive than the worms?
What about if the flies start destroying the environment after they destroy the worms?

[piait.yunususkywatcher]

For what purpose to drop them there, is it a compasation between governments, what?

[Kh.J.]

To keep the (medical health) occupied 🤷🏻‍♂️🪰🪰

[krisg]

Do Cobalt 60 have consequences on those people below ?

[ttt]

the thumbnail showed image of plane pouring out something like potato. The video didn't show any potato being dropped in Panama. UNSUBSCRIBE!

[midbcmidbc]

So you are basically copying WATOP channel videos. Thumbs down don't recommend this channel

[romarpromo]

This we call men made dissaster😂😂😂.With men made we mean American made dissaster..😂😂😂

[broderickgillum]

Maybe 🪰 Flys are good for something. Not around me boss. 🙂