How many sterile male flies are released weekly in the Screwworm Barrier Maintenance Program?

In the Screwworm Barrier Maintenance Program, the correct answer indicates that approximately 20 million sterile male flies are released weekly. This large-scale release is essential for controlling the population of the New World screwworm fly by utilizing a technique known as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). The technique involves breeding sterile male flies and releasing them into the wild to mate with fertile females. Since the males are sterile, this leads to a reduction in the overall population by preventing the continuation of the lifecycle.

The significant number of sterile males released each week is critical for effectively influencing the wild population, ensuring that enough sterile males are competing for mates. This method has been proven to reduce screwworm infestations significantly, safeguarding livestock and enhancing animal health in affected regions. The scale of releases is based on extensive research and field trials to achieve the desired impact on screwworm populations.