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The Most Terrifying Insect You’ve Never Heard Of

The Jacob Shapiro Podcast

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Battling the Screwworm: A Legacy of Innovation and Loss

This chapter explores the historical devastation caused by screwworms on America's livestock from the 1930s to the 1980s, focusing on the financial repercussions for cattle ranchers. It highlights the groundbreaking USDA initiative that involved sterilizing male flies to control populations, and the multifaceted challenges that arose during its implementation. The narrative also reflects on the psychological legacy of this pest and the socio-economic implications for affected regions, linking past traumas with contemporary agricultural practices.

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