New USDA Action Targets Screwworm Threat

New fly facility and border patrol strengthen livestock protection

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced its largest initiative yet to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS), a dangerous pest that threatens livestock, wildlife, and even humans. At the Texas State Capitol, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Governor Greg Abbott, and national leaders highlighted the five-step plan to stop the pest’s spread from Mexico into the United States. 

The New World Screwworm is harmful because its larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing severe damage and sometimes death. Protecting cattle and other livestock is critical, as NWS threatens over $100 billion in U.S. agricultural activity. 

The USDA’s new actions include: 

• Innovation Funding – Up to $100 million will be invested in new research, sterile fly production methods, traps, lures, and medical treatments to improve preparedness. 

• Sterile Fly Facility – A U.S.-based production facility will be built at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. It will produce up to 300 million sterile flies weekly, reducing reliance on foreign facilities. 

• Border Protection – USDA will expand mounted patrol officers, or “Tick Riders,” and train dogs to detect screwworms at the border and ports of entry. 

• Partnership with Mexico – USDA will work closely with Mexican agencies to contain the pest south of the border through training, case reporting, and stricter animal movement rules. 

• Food Safety Measures – USDA assures that no NWS has been detected in the U.S. food supply and inspections will continue. 

“We have assessed the information on the ground in Mexico and have determined we must construct an additional sterile fly production facility in the United States to stop the northward advancement of this terrible pest that is threatening American cattle production. President Trump has made it clear that we must take all necessary steps to protect our country from foreign pests and diseases that threaten our economy and way of life. Today we are announcing a major investment to further America’s existential role in protecting our country and secure our borders from this national security threat,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The construction of a domestic sterile fly production facility will ensure the United States continues to lead the way in combating this devastating pest. If our ranchers are overrun by foreign pests, then we cannot feed ourselves. USDA and Customs and Border Protection are constantly monitoring our ports of entry to keep NWS away from our borders. We are working every day to ensure our American agricultural industry is safe, secure, and resilient.” 

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