EDINBURG, TX – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a new $8.5 million sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas as part of a broader federal plan to prevent the northward spread of the New World screwworm (NWS). The pest, which poses a threat to livestock, wildlife, and in rare cases humans, was eradicated in the United States decades ago but has recently been detected in southern Mexico, raising concerns about its potential return.

The announcement follows the temporary suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports from Mexico through U.S. ports of entry as of May 11, 2025. The pest’s movement north to areas like Oaxaca and Veracruz—approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border—prompted federal action.

The Department of Agriculture’s response includes a five-pronged plan to prevent the pest from entering the country and to improve eradication tools and coordination efforts. The strategy includes:

1. Containment in Mexico – USDA has invested $21 million in expanding sterile fly production in Metapa, Mexico, which will supplement existing efforts in Panama. Combined, production could exceed 160 million sterile flies per week.
2. Border Protection – Enhanced surveillance and livestock monitoring will occur near the U.S.-Mexico border, supported by APHIS tick riders and Customs and Border Protection.
3. Preparedness – Federal and state agencies will update emergency plans and secure access to available treatments in case of an outbreak.
4. Domestic Fly Dispersal Facility – Construction of a sterile fly dispersal site at Moore Air Base is underway. USDA is also evaluating the need for a domestic sterile fly production facility capable of producing up to 300 million flies weekly.
5. Research and Innovation – The agency will pursue new technologies, improve lures and traps, and explore genetic modification and radiation techniques to enhance sterile fly production.

In addition to operational measures, USDA will host public listening sessions to gather feedback on eradication technologies and implementation strategies.

Several state and federal officials voiced support for the USDA’s plan, particularly regarding the facility’s location in Texas, citing the potential economic impact if the pest spreads into the United States. Leaders from agricultural organizations also emphasized the importance of sterile fly production in controlling the pest population and maintaining livestock trade between the U.S. and Mexico.

The New World screwworm is known for its larvae, which infest and feed on living tissue of warm-blooded animals, leading to severe health consequences if untreated.

The USDA continues to coordinate with Mexican authorities and other partners to monitor and contain the pest’s spread. Additional details about the agency’s strategic plan and listening sessions are available through USDA’s public communication channels.