New sterile fly facility strengthens livestock pest defense
The United States is preparing for a possible outbreak of New World screwworm, a dangerous livestock pest. To prevent its spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has completed a new facility in Texas that will produce sterile flies to control the pest population.
New World screwworm flies are a type of blowfly. Their larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Female flies lay eggs in open wounds. Animals are at risk after giving birth, suffering injuries, or undergoing procedures such as branding or tail docking. Even small wounds like tick bites can attract the pest. If left untreated, infestations can cause serious harm to livestock.
The new sterile fly production plant is located at Moore Air Base near Edinburgh, Texas. It is expected to produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week by the end of 2027. These sterile flies will be released to mate with wild flies, preventing reproduction and reducing the pest population over time.
Currently, the United States produces about 100 million sterile flies per week at a facility in Panama. These flies are distributed in Mexico and Texas to control outbreaks. New World screwworm is common in parts of South America and the Caribbean and has recently spread north through Central America into northern Mexico.
To prevent the pest from entering the country, USDA previously closed the southern border to cattle imports from Mexico. The agency is also increasing surveillance at ports of entry and investing in improved eradication technology.
Industry groups have supported these actions and have called for risk-based response plans that allow business continuity if an outbreak occurs.
The issue is serious because an outbreak could lead to livestock movement restrictions and mandatory treatment programs. USDA estimates that the economic impact on U.S. livestock industries could reach $100 billion. Preventive action is critical to protect animal welfare, producer livelihoods, and the national food supply.
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