Mexico-U.S. Commission

The focus of the crusade by the 1980s was Mexico. The logo of the Mexico-U.S. Commission, the atomic fly, became the symbol of the fight against screwworms in Mexico and Central America. Mexico had more small farms and fewer roads than the United States, and fewer people could be reached by mass media. Language and cultural differences complicated the public awareness campaign in southern Mexico and Central America. Not only was there the need to publicize in Spanish, but in some indigenous languages, such as Mayan, as well. Illustrated brochures that did not depend on written language were used to carry the message. Tee shirts showed the progress of eradication efforts in Mexico, and tote bags advertised the program in Nicaragua.