Efforts to eradicate the New World Screwworm insect which causes destructive myiasis in warm-blooded animals, including humans, will continue this year, with an allocation of $125 million to the project which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Government of Jamaica, the Eradication of New World Screwworm project is expected to release 20 million flies per week for 12 months; increase public awareness campaign; increase field activities and distribute 300,000 packets of insecticide and complete the eradication process for the fiscal year 2004/05.

The allotment for the project was made in the 2004/05 Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives.

The project, which started in July 1998 was further extended in July 2003 and is expected to be completed in March 2005. Achievements up to October 2003 were the dispersion of approximately five billion flies; distribution of 1.5 million packets of insecticide and sample collection tubes and the conducting of trapping across the island.

Other achievements are the development of aired radio and television advertisements including 632 radio spots and 112 television spots, the design, printing and distribution of 850,000 fliers and pamphlets targeted at specific groups and the participation in several agricultural shows.