DHS DEPLOYS DRONES TO TRACK FLESH-EATING WORMS IN TEXAS

Screwworms, larvae of a parasitic fly species, burrow into living flesh and cause severe tissue damage in animals. The outbreak threatens cattle ranches and native wildlife populations across the state. Homeland Security drones typically used for border surveillance are now tracking infested animals and mapping the worm's geographic spread. The surveillance data helps agriculture officials identify outbreak hotspots and coordinate treatment efforts. The screwworm eradication program combines drone monitoring with traditional methods, including releasing sterile flies to reduce reproduction rates. Federal and state agencies are coordinating containment efforts to prevent the infestation from spreading beyond Texas. The deployment represents a shift in how federal surveillance infrastructure responds to domestic crises beyond traditional security applications. Officials have not specified deployment timelines or expected surveillance duration.