By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced an $8.5 million facility in South Texas to combat the spread of the New World screwworm (NWS).
This parasite severely impacts livestock, wildlife, and occasionally humans. Although eradicated in the U.S. for decades, recent outbreaks in Mexico prompted action to prevent its northward movement.
Rollins revealed a five-pronged plan to support the USDA’s effort. First, the USDA will partner with Mexico, where a $21 million renovation of a sterile fly facility aims to produce over 160 million sterile flies weekly. The USDA will also provide traps, lures, and surveillance tools.
Second, border protection efforts will increase, including public outreach and collaboration with Customs and Border Protection to intercept stray livestock and create a vigilant barrier zone.
Third, USDA will work with state officials to finalize emergency plans, stockpile treatments, and remove regulatory barriers to fast response if the pest enters the U.S.
Fourth, the USDA will build a dispersal facility at Moore Air Base, capable of spreading sterile flies into Northern Mexico and possibly support future fly production of 300 million sterile flies weekly.
Fifth, research into advanced pest control will be expanded with land-grant universities to enhance trapping and treatment methods.
“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 will also conduct listening sessions to gather feedback from experts and the public to improve eradication plans and strategies.
Photo Credit: usda
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