Site of Animal Health Discovery
Kerrville, Kerr County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In this building (at Menard) during late 1930s, Dr. Edward F. Knipling (b. 1909) advanced theory screwworms might be eradicated by releasing sterile male flies to break chain of reproduction and save livestock from role of host to parasitic larvae that destroy livestock and wildlife. During 1950-51, this laboratory (removed to Kerrville area) was site of sterilization of male screwworms with irradiation, in procedures by Dr. R. C. Bushland and D. E. Hopkins. The outcome: eradication of the screwworm and saving of domestic and wild animals of the United States. (1972)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the late 1930s Dr. Edward F. Knipling advanced a daring idea: that the screwworm, a parasite whose larvae destroyed livestock and wildlife, might be wiped out by releasing sterilized male flies to break its chain of reproduction. In 1950–51, at a laboratory moved to the Kerrville area, Dr. R. C. Bushland and D. E. Hopkins sterilized male screwworms using irradiation. The technique worked, leading to the eradication of the screwworm and saving countless domestic and wild animals across the United States.
Why it matters
The "sterile insect technique" pioneered here became a landmark of American agricultural science, showing how basic research could solve a scourge that plagued ranchers for generations.
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Related people
- · Edward F. Knipling
- · R. C. Bushland
Themes & tags
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