USDA Sets Bold Plan to Block Screwworm Pest at Border
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has unveiled an $8.5 million sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas and a five-pronged plan to tackle the New World screwworm (NWS), a dangerous pest threatening livestock, wildlife, and pets.
The screwworm, previously eradicated from the U.S., has been detected in Mexico, raising concerns. To combat this, the USDA is collaborating with Mexico on surveillance and fly production, including a newly renovated facility in Metapa that will boost output to 160 million sterile flies per week.
The USDA also aims to strengthen the border by increasing surveillance and public awareness, supported by cattle fever tick riders and border patrol to intercept animals potentially carrying NWS.
Emergency preparedness is another focus. The USDA will work with states to update response plans, provide NWS treatments, and remove regulatory barriers that could slow urgent action.
In Texas, a new dispersal facility at Moore Air Base will distribute sterile flies to Northern Mexico. The USDA is also considering expanding domestic fly production to 300 million per week.
Innovative research and partnerships with universities will help develop better trapping methods, treatments, and advanced technologies to eliminate the pest effectively.
“Today’s policy changes represent a huge step forward to eradicating the screwworm and protecting American livestock—especially the opening of a U.S.-based eradication facility in South Texas,” said Representative Tony Gonzales.
The USDA plans to host listening sessions with stakeholders to gather ideas and refine the plan. With strong national and international collaboration, the USDA remains determined to prevent a new screwworm outbreak in the U.S.