[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 110 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SCREWWORM AND THE ZIKA VIRUS CORRELATION

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2016

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
example of the significance of federally sponsored scientific research.
  I would like to especially commend two scientists, Dr. Edward 
Knipling and Dr. Raymond C. Bushland, and their research entitled ``The 
Sex Life of the Screwworm Fly''. These two distinguished individuals 
conducted extensive research in the 20th Century on a devastating 
disease in the cattle industry caused by the then-infamous Screwworm 
Fly.
  Through perseverance and dedication, the researchers ultimately 
discovered a novel method to eradicate the Screwworm Fly. Sterilized 
male specimens of the fly were released into the wild, overwhelming the 
native Screwworm Fly population and eventually negating the threat to 
cattle across the Southeast.
  Despite heavy disapproval and ridicule from some of their colleagues, 
the $250,000 in research conducted by Dr. Knipling and Dr. Bushland 
collectively saved the U.S. cattle industry billions of dollars, 
earning them the Golden Goose Award. This immense societal benefit from 
such a small public investment is why they will be honored with the 
Golden Goose Award this September.
  The research put into ``The Sex Life of the Screwworm Fly'' is a 
great example of the impact federally funded scientific research can 
make and exemplifies the purpose of the Golden Goose Award.
  Regarding current epidemics, Dr. Knipling and Dr. Bushland's research 
may possibly provide creative solutions as we try to control the 
transmission of the Zika virus from the Aedes mosquito today. In order 
to confront and overcome modern health challenges, we must be mindful 
of the importance of federally funded research, and support creative 
initiatives whenever possible.

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