Drones Combat Screwworms in Texas with Thermal Imaging
TL;DR. Hundreds of US government drones now survey livestock and wildlife in Texas to detect flesh-eating screwworms. - The Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection drones are retasked for this animal health mission. - Skydio X10 quadcopters with thermal sensors identify elevated body temperatures in potentially infected animals. - Over 1,000 drone flights have surveyed 22,000 animals, supporting USDA screwworm eradication efforts.
- US government drones, primarily Skydio X10 quadcopters, are being used for animal health surveillance.
- The mission involves detecting screwworm infestations in Texas livestock and wildlife using thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras.
- Over 1,000 drone flights have been conducted, surveying more than 22,000 animals to date.
- The operation is a joint effort between the USDA and DHS/CBP to combat the spread of New World Screwworm.
Sources
- US boosts drone surveillance as flesh-eating screwworms spread in Texas — arstechnica.com