(SPRINGFIELD) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins yesterday announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge to help combat and prevent the pest from spreading farther north in America. Part of USDA’s comprehensive five-pronged plan that started last summer, the goal is to move the U.S. toward readiness and better response to NWS. Proposals can be submitted to support one or more of several objectives, including enhancing sterile NWS fly production, develop NWS traps & lures, develop & increase understanding of NWS therapeutics & treatments for animals, and develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS. The submission deadline to help with these priorities is February 23rd. More information and details will soon be posted on the usda.org website online.
