National Politics

U.S. to Release Sterile Flies Over Texas and Mexico to Combat Screwworm

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ramping up efforts to control a dangerous livestock pest by releasing millions of sterile flies over Texas and Mexico, targeting the New World Screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating maggot that threatens American agriculture.

According to the USDA, the flies will be sterilized using radiation and released by air, primarily in regions where Screwworm outbreaks have been reported. The goal is to disrupt the pest’s reproduction cycle, as sterile males will mate with wild females, resulting in eggs that do not hatch.

The NWS fly, found in parts of the Caribbean and South America, lays its eggs in wounds of warm-blooded animals. Once hatched, the larvae burrow into living flesh, often causing severe injury or death in livestock. The CDC warns that humans are also at risk in endemic areas, particularly those with open wounds or recent surgeries.

To scale the response, a new sterile fly production facility is slated to open in southern Mexico by July 2026. A U.S. distribution center in southern Texas is also expected by the end of next year, according to the USDA.

The sterile insect technique isn’t new. Between 1962 and 1975, the U.S. and Mexico released more than 94 billion sterile flies, ultimately eradicating the pest. Prior to that, the USDA estimated annual livestock losses of up to $100 million due to Screwworm infestations.

“This is a proven method,” said a USDA spokesperson. “The reestablishment of this infrastructure is essential to protecting American livestock and the agricultural economy.”

The renewed threat underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation. As in the past, success depends on coordinated surveillance, breeding, and fly distribution programs between the U.S. and Mexico.

While the sterile fly campaign targets livestock pests, health officials remind travelers to remain cautious.

The CDC states, “People who travel to these areas, spend time among livestock animals, sleep outdoors and have an open wound are at greater risk of becoming infested with NWS.”

The USDA plans to expand sterile fly releases in coming months, aiming to suppress the pest before it can gain a stronger foothold in U.S. territory.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Government. She enjoys reading, writing, and cooking in her spare time.

Recent Posts

Military Build Up: Is Trump Inching Closer to Dropping Bombs on Maduro?

As deadly military strikes continue against Venezuela-based and supported drug cartels in the Caribbean, it…

10 hours ago

Ken Paxton Leads Multistate Coalition Supporting Proof of Citizeship in Federal Elections

Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a formal comment on behalf of a 14-state coalition…

11 hours ago

Greg Abbott Announces $380 Million NRG Natural Gas Facility

Governor Greg Abbott announced that NRG Energy, Inc. will construct a new 456-megawatt (MW) natural…

12 hours ago

Ted Cruz Pushes Proof of Citizenship for Federal Voter Registration

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, joined by Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ), is leading a bicameral effort…

14 hours ago

LONESTAR — 10.22.2025 — Texas Identifies Over 2.7K Potential Noncitizens on Voter Rolls — Allred, Talarico Endorse Hinojosa for Texas Governor — and More...

Texas Identifies Over 2,700 Potential Noncitizens on Voter Rolls in Statewide Review Texas Secretary of…

15 hours ago

Collin Allred, James Talarico Endorse Gina Hinojosa for Governor

Earlier this month, Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D) announced her intention to turn Texas blue, and…

1 day ago