U.S. to Build $750M Texas Plant to Eradicate New World Screwworm

The Growing Threat of the New World Screwworm

The United States is facing a growing threat from a deadly parasite known as the New World screwworm. This parasitic fly poses a serious risk to livestock, and federal and Texas officials are taking significant steps to prevent its spread and protect the country's agricultural industry.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a major investment of $750 million to build a new facility in Edinburg, located about 20 miles north of the Texas border with Mexico. This facility will be designed to produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week. These sterile flies will be used to combat the potential invasion of the New World screwworm by being released into areas where the parasite is present.

In addition to this investment, the USDA has also committed up to $100 million toward developing technologies and innovations aimed at accelerating the production of sterile flies. According to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the construction of this domestic facility will ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of efforts to combat this devastating pest.

Rollins emphasized that the USDA and Customs and Border Protection are continuously monitoring ports of entry to keep the New World screwworm away from the U.S. borders. She highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety, security, and resilience of the American agricultural industry.

The Spread of the New World Screwworm

Although the New World screwworm is not yet present in the U.S., it has been gradually moving northward from Central America in recent months. In December, a screwworm was found in a cow in southern Mexico. As of August 9, the parasite has been detected as far north as near the state of Hidalgo, north of Mexico City.

According to the USDA, there have been thousands of cases annually since 2023, compared to only about 25 cases per year before that. The New World screwworm is particularly dangerous because it lays its eggs in the openings of living mammals, creating a flesh-eating cycle that can be fatal to animals.

For decades, the New World screwworm was not a threat to U.S. cattle. However, it was a significant problem for ranchers between the 1930s and 1980s, costing about $200 million per year in livestock losses by the 1950s. A breakthrough in 1955 introduced a technique to sterilize the flies, leading to their eradication from the country within a decade.

Preparing for Potential Containment

Alongside the development of the new facility in Edinburg, the USDA has been modifying an existing building at Moore Air Base in Edinburg. This facility, which will cost $8.5 million, is intended for the dispersal of sterile flies. It could open at the end of the year and would be used only if the USDA determines it is necessary to release sterile flies in the U.S. and northern Mexico.

This comprehensive approach reflects the urgency of the situation and the commitment of officials to safeguarding the nation’s agricultural resources. By investing in advanced technologies and infrastructure, the USDA is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm and protect the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers across the country.