By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced an important update on the continued collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Mexico to fight the spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS).
In a recent call with Mexican Secretary Berdegue, Secretary Rollins reviewed current containment efforts and emphasized the shared commitment to control the pest south of the U.S. border.
To reinforce these efforts, Secretary Rollins revealed a $21 million USDA investment aimed at upgrading a fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico.
Once completed, the renovated facility will be capable of producing an additional 60-100 million sterile NWS flies each week. These flies will be released strategically to push NWS populations farther south, a move seen as critical given the pest's range.
“Our partnership with Mexico is crucial in making this effort a success. We are continuing to work closely with Mexico to push NWS away from the United States and out of Mexico," said Secretary Rollins.
"The investment I am announcing today is one of many efforts my team is making around the clock to protect our animals, our farm economy, and the security of our nation’s food supply.”
Currently, USDA-supported operations in Mexico and Central America are already releasing up to 100 million sterile flies weekly using aerial dispersal methods.
These flies are produced at the Panama-based COPEG (Panama - United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm) facility, which is running at full capacity.
The expansion in Metapa will allow USDA to double its use of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a proven method of pest control.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) remains in regular communication with Mexican officials. They are working together to enhance surveillance, address regulatory hurdles, and enforce controls on animal movement to prevent further spread.
Mexican officials recently met with APHIS in Washington, D.C., and a USDA technical team is scheduled to visit Mexico soon to continue coordination on surveillance and response strategies.
Restrictions on live animal imports from Mexico remain in place and are reviewed every 30 days.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: National