New Research Center for Livestock

By Scout Nelson

The United States Department of Agriculture has opened a new research facility dedicated to studying insects that affect livestock. The Knipling Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory is in Kerrville, Texas. This modern facility covers 52,000 square feet and includes advanced research areas and special cattle handling facilities.

The main goal of the laboratory is to develop new and effective ways to manage harmful pests such as flies and ticks. These insects can cause serious damage to cattle' health and reduce productivity in the livestock industry. By creating innovative solutions, scientists aim to support farmers and protect the national food supply.

Researchers at the facility will focus on several important areas. These include improving pest monitoring systems, developing new insecticides, and finding better ways to deliver treatments to livestock and wildlife. Scientists will also study how insects become resistant to pesticides and explore safer and more sustainable treatment methods. Another key area of study is insect genetics, which can help identify weak points in pest populations.

The laboratory houses two specialized research units. These are the Livestock Arthropod Pest Research Unit and the Veterinary Pest Genetics Research Unit. Together, these teams will work on protecting livestock from harmful insects such as biting flies, ticks, and the New World screwworm.

The new laboratory is named after two well-known USDA scientists, Edward F. Knipling and Raymond C. Bushland. Their work in the 20th century led to the development of sterile insect techniques. This method uses sterilized male insects to reduce pest populations. It was highly successful in eliminating screwworms from large parts of North and Central America.

Even today, this technique continues to help prevent the return of dangerous pests. The new laboratory will build on these past achievements while using modern technology to strengthen pest control efforts. Overall, this facility represents a major step forward in protecting livestock health, improving farm productivity, and ensuring food security.

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