Key Takeaways
- USDA announced new actions to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS), building on its five-pronged plan issued in June.
- The initiative includes constructing a sterile fly production facility in Texas, investing up to $100 million in new technologies, and strengthening border defenses.
- NWS poses a major threat to livestock, wildlife, pets, and potentially people, with economic risks exceeding $100 billion.
- USDA will coordinate with FDA, EPA, DOE, Customs and Border Protection, and state governments to prevent NWS spread.
- Stakeholders across agriculture, government, and industry voiced support for the expanded measures.
USDA Outlines Expanded Plan Against NWS
At the Texas State Capitol, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, joined by Governor Greg Abbott, unveiled the largest initiative to date in USDA’s strategy to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm from Mexico into the United States.
“This is a major investment to protect our country from foreign pests and diseases that threaten our economy and way of life,” Rollins said. “The construction of a domestic sterile fly production facility will ensure the United States continues to lead the way in combating this devastating pest.”
USDA Invests in Innovation and Sterile Fly Production
The initiative’s first step is a $100 million investment in research and technologies ranging from sterile fly production techniques to novel traps, lures, and therapeutics.
A centerpiece of the plan is the construction of a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Force Base in Edinburg, Texas. Once operational, it will produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week. The facility will complement existing operations in Panama and Mexico, providing strategic coverage to push NWS further south.
Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of the move for the livestock sector: “All of this is at risk because of the New World Screwworm. Working with Secretary Rollins and stakeholders nationwide, we will combat the threat right here in Texas.”
Strengthening Border Surveillance and Wildlife Protection
Recognizing that animals cross borders freely, USDA is expanding border surveillance by hiring additional mounted patrol officers, known as Tick Riders, supported by detector dogs and animal health experts. The program will monitor livestock and wildlife along the U.S.–Mexico border to detect and respond quickly to potential outbreaks.
Collaboration with Mexico’s agricultural authority SENASICA is also being expanded to strengthen surveillance, case reporting, and control measures south of the border.
Stakeholder Support for USDA’s Actions
Federal and state leaders, along with agricultural organizations, widely endorsed the expanded plan. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) called it “critical to safeguarding our food supply, supporting farmers and ranchers, and strengthening our nation’s food security.”
Industry voices also welcomed the investment. Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, stated: “American cattle producers are thankful for Secretary Rollins’ leadership. USDA’s work in building a sterile fly production facility will greatly help to stop the spread of screwworm and protect the American cattle herd for years to come.”
USDA Emphasizes National Security and Food Safety
The USDA highlighted that while NWS has not been detected in U.S. animals to date, the pest remains a threat to livestock, wildlife, and the broader food supply chain. Its Food Safety and Inspection Service continues to inspect animals and carcasses at slaughter to ensure food safety.
USDA officials framed the initiative as a proactive national security measure, noting that protecting livestock health is fundamental to safeguarding food systems and rural economies.
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