At present, the Screwworm Research Unit is headquartered in Panama City, the Republic of Panama. Stationed in Panama are the Research Leader and the Research Agricultural Engineer. These scientists are supported by a technical staff of seven Panamanian nationals. The general mission of the scientists in Panama concentrates on integrated modeling, detection, surveillance, and characterization of screwworm populations. Some specific objectives are: 1) apply quantitative procedures to characterize screwworm ecology in various habitats in Central America and the Caribbean; 2) improve and integrate current technologies in remote sensing and computer simulation to the prediction of screwworm distribution and sterile male release strategies in barrier zones or in areas of reinfestation; and 3) assist in the collection of wild flies for use in the development of new strains of screwworms for mass production. The scientists and technicians in Panama work out of offices and laboratories of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
 

A Research Entomologist is located at the Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico, worksite of the research unit within the sterile fly production facilities of the Mexico - United States Commission for the Eradication of Screwworms. This worksite is supported by a staff of seven Mexican nationals comprised of two biologists, three technicians, two facilities personnel and an administrative assistant. The general mission of the Research Entomologist concentrates on improvement of screwworm rearing technology, strain development, and genetic adaptation to mass rearing. Specific objectives include: 1) improve screwworm rearing technology in the mass production facility; 2) develop new strains of screwworm for mass production; and 3) investigate genetic adaptation to the selective forces of mass rearing in the production facility.
 

A Remote Sensing Specialist is located at the Miami, Florida worksite of the research unit. The objective of this support scientist is to improve and integrate current technologies in remote sensing and computer simulation to the prediction of screwworm distribution and sterile male release strategies.
 

Administrative support of the Screwworm Research Unit is provided by an Administrative Clerk and by the Location Administrative Officer of the Kika De La Garza Subtropical Agricultural Research Center located in Weslaco, Texas. Administrative matters are also addressed by the scientists of the Unit at their respective locations.