In a decisive move to prevent a dangerous flesh-eating parasite from crossing into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to establish a $8.5 million fly-breeding facility at Moore Air Base in Texas, near the Mexican border. The facility will produce sterile male New World screwworm flies, which will be released into the wild to halt the parasite’s reproduction cycle. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed the plan during a press conference on Wednesday, affirming, “The United States has defeated NWS before, and we will do it again.”
The parasite, which lays eggs in wounds that develop into flesh-eating parasite larvae, poses a grave threat to livestock. The U.S. previously eradicated the New World screwworm in the 1960s through similar sterile fly programs. However, the fly’s reappearance in southern Mexico last year has raised alarms within the veterinary and livestock sectors. In response, the U.S. has already suspended imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico as a precautionary measure.
Expanded Measures Underway as U.S. and Mexico Seek Joint Control
Beyond the Texas project, the USDA plans to invest an additional $21 million to convert a fruit fly facility near Guatemala into a screwworm fly-breeding center, although that facility won’t be operational for another 18 months. Once functional, it will complement the Texas and Panama-based operations. The Panama facility currently produces around 100 million sterile flies per week; the U.S. hopes to scale up production to 300 million per week in total with the addition of the Texas and future Mexican centers.
Mexican Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué welcomed the U.S. initiative, calling it “a positive step” and expressing optimism about resuming cattle exports based on USDA inspection reports. Pressure from the U.S. has prompted Mexico to intensify containment efforts. The screwworm’s current proximity—just 700 miles from the U.S. border—has created a sense of urgency, with experts fearing the flesh-eating parasite could reach American territory by late summer if unchecked.
Livestock Industry, States Sound Alarm Over Economic and Animal Health Risks
Industry leaders and state officials are voicing strong support for the fly factory, recognizing the economic and ecological threats posed by a potential outbreak. Buck Wehrbein, president of the National Beef Cattlemen’s Association, emphasized the significance of sterile fly production: “The only way to protect the American cattle herd from the devastating threat of New World screwworm is by having a sufficient supply of sterile flies to push this pest away from our border.”
State authorities like Kansas Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith remain vigilant, especially over wildlife that could carry the flesh-eating parasite across borders. The screwworm poses risks not only to cattle but also to other mammals, including pets and occasionally humans. While treatments exist, prevention through fly population control is considered the most effective strategy. Texas officials expressed gratitude for the federal government’s proactive stance, viewing the new facility as a crucial step in safeguarding U.S. agriculture.
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