The Truth About Screw Worms

The Truth About Screw Worms

Author: The One Country Project July 8, 2026 Duration: 34:04

Screw worms nearly disappeared from American ranches sixty years ago. Dr. Eric Deeble, executive director of Americans for the Common Good and former Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA under the Biden Administration, has watched them find their way back, and he joins Heidi and Joel to explain what this parasitic fly means for livestock, trade, and the food supply.

Eric covers the biology behind the outbreak, how fast one infected animal can spread it, and why the fly is finding its way north again. He also gets into a newer technique for breeding sterile flies that could make eradication cheaper this time around.

In this episode:

  • Why screw worms target living tissue and what that means for treatment
  • How a sterile insect technique wiped out the fly from the U.S. the first time
  • What let the fly move north again
  • The economic risk ranchers face from one undetected outbreak
  • How egg sexing could lower the cost of eradication

Resources & Links
 Americans for the Common Good
 

Connect with Eric Deeble on:
LinkedIn

Sixty years of eradication work is unraveling. Eric explains what it'll take to fix that.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

  • (00:00) - - Why screw worm's return matters to agriculture
  • (02:07) - - The fly's lifecycle and herd vulnerability
  • (04:21) - - Myths versus reality on severity
  • (05:43) - - Treatment and quarantine when detected
  • (07:25) - - The cost of eradication and prevention
  • (10:11) - - How reduced global cooperation risks a resurgence
  • (13:22) - - Sterile insect technique: past success, recent setbacks
  • (16:29) - - Climate and animal movement driving the spread north
  • (18:38) - - Regional factors in where screw worm spreads
  • (20:00) - - Funding cuts and the policy fight to maintain control
  • (22:35) - - Consumer safety myths and real risks
  • (24:16) - - Why continued investment in biosecurity matters
  • (27:00) - - Final thoughts: vigilance, cooperation, funding

Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. Senator, and her brother Joel, a longtime Midwest radio host, bring a unique perspective to the table in their podcast The Hot Dish. Their dynamic is the engine here-a blend of deep policy knowledge from the halls of Congress and grounded, everyday insight from community radio, all filtered through the familiar and often humorous lens of sibling debate. They sit down with a range of guests, from national newsmakers and elected officials to local policymakers, focusing squarely on the ideas and actions that impact rural communities across America. These aren't dry lectures; they're animated discussions that dig into practical solutions for real challenges, from economic opportunities to infrastructure. Produced by The One Country Project, the conversation on this podcast is as informative as it is engaging, often punctuated by the kind of lively back-and-forth that only a brother and sister can provide. You'll come for the insightful analysis on politics and news, but you'll stay for the authentic and enlightening dialogue that makes complex issues relatable. Each episode serves up a hearty mix of substance and personality, offering listeners a fresh take on the stories that shape the heart of the country.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Hot Dish
Podcast Episodes
Beth Macy: Journalist, Author, Fighter for the Working Class [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:21
In this episode, Beth Macy joins Heidi and Joel to discuss her compelling journey from journalist to political candidate. She explores how her books illuminate the struggles of rural communities facing economic and socia…
Could Latinos Decide the Midterms? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:13
This episode dives into the power of storytelling, community engagement, and strategic outreach across rural and Latino communities. Joel discusses the One Country Project Book Club with Megan DesCamps before diving into…
What the Tariff Ruling Means for Farmers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:56
In this episode, Heidi Heitkamp hosts a lively discussion with Rachel Prevost, Executive Director of the Montana Farmers Union, and Matt Perdue, President of the North Dakota Farmers Union. They explore critical topics i…
Rural Resistance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:04
Hold onto your hats — this episode is a wake-up call, a rallying cry for the soul of rural America. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont spills the truth bombs on agriculture, healthcare, trade, and the values that bind us all…
What can you do? Run For Something! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:04
This episode is a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt the call to make a real difference. Whether you’re new to politics or part of the old guard, Amanda Litman’s story and insights will inspire you to step up, speak…
Homeland Insecurity with Janet Napolitano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:34
In this jam-packed episode, Heidi and Joel speak with Nathan Gonzales, editor of Inside Elections, about Democrats' prospects in the Midterm Elections and the collapse of the Trump Coalition.Then, Iowa State Rep. Adam Za…
Winning in Minneapolis, Winning in North Carolina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:27
In this episode of The Hot Dish, Joel Heitkamp speaks with Jamie Ager, a congressional candidate from North Carolina, about pressing issues facing rural America. The conversation covers the tragic story of Alex Pretti, t…
On the Ground in Minneapolis with the ACLU [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Joel's flying solo in this episode. He speaks with Paul Sullivan of the ACLU of Minnesota about the current climate in Minneapolis and St. Paul amid rising tensions and a federal law enforcement presence. Sullivan descri…
Who's In Charge? Gen. Mark Hertling Wants to Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:19
In this episode of The Hot Dish, Heidi engages in a compelling conversation with retired General Mark Hertling. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the complexities of U.S. military operations, foreig…
Remembering Democracy's Worst Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:13
In this episode, Heidi and Joel recall the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol with former Senator Joe Donnelly. They reflect on the events of that day, the role of law enforcement, and the political accoun…