The $8.5 million ‘fly dispersal facility’ and five-part plan are to prevent the spread of the deadly livestock fly from Mexico to the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the launch of an $8.5 million sterile “fly dispersal facility” in South Texas, along with a comprehensive “five-pronged” strategy, to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) from Mexico into the U.S.
Although the parasitic species was previously eradicated from the U.S., its reappearance in parts of Mexico resulted in an import halt on certain livestock and a swift federal response. The USDA’s strategy includes collaboration with Mexico, expanded border surveillance, emergency response planning, construction of sterile fly infrastructure, and investment in innovative research to improve eradication tools and technologies.
“The United States has defeated NWS before and we will do it again. We do not take lightly the threat NWS poses to our livestock industry, our economy, and our food supply chain. The United States government will use all resources at its disposal to push back NWS,“ said Secretary Rollins. “We have the proven tools, strong domestic and international partnerships, and the grit needed to win this battle.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rollins as she heads the response to halt the spread of the New World Screwworm.
- For USDA, border security, and state officials as they seek to prevent the reintroduction of the parasite to the U.S.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
