An invasive parasite from Mexico now threatens America’s cattle industry, pushing the USDA to launch a $750 million emergency fly-breeding operation on U.S. soil—a decisive move after years of inaction and foreign dependence.
Story Snapshot
- USDA unveils a $750 million sterile fly facility in Texas to defend U.S. cattle against the deadly New World screwworm.
- This is the first U.S.-based sterile fly production since the 1960s, aiming to end reliance on foreign biosecurity.
- Industry leaders and ranchers back the project, citing urgent threats to livestock and the food supply near the southern border.
- The investment marks the largest escalation in agricultural biosecurity in decades, with construction fast-tracked for 2026 operation.
USDA Launches Historic Defense Against Screwworm Threat
The Department of Agriculture has announced the construction of a $750 million sterile fly breeding facility at Moore Air Base near Mission, Texas. This action comes in direct response to a new wave of New World screwworm infestations steadily advancing north through Mexico, now only 370 miles from the U.S. border. The facility will produce up to 300 million sterile flies each week, aiming to suppress the flesh-eating parasite before it crosses into American ranchlands. Industry groups, especially in Texas, have praised the move as overdue, given the risk to cattle herds and rural livelihoods.
USDA announces $750M sterile fly breeding program to protect cattle from Mexican flesh-eating maggots https://t.co/7l0NQ2CEsI
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 17, 2025
For decades, the U.S. relied on foreign facilities in Panama and Mexico to supply sterile flies, a strategy considered risky by many agricultural advocates. The Moore Air Base, once critical in the 1960s eradication efforts, is being restored for this modern campaign. The urgency grew after a confirmed case of screwworm in northern Mexico in July 2025, which triggered import suspensions and new border controls. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized that domestic production is essential to ensure rapid and reliable responses, especially as global instability and cross-border threats escalate.
Industry and Government Unite to Safeguard American Food Supply
Key stakeholders include the USDA, state agricultural bureaus, and advocacy groups such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Texas Farm Bureau. These organizations have lobbied for years to bring sterile fly production back under U.S. control, arguing that biosecurity must not be outsourced when national food security is at stake. The facility’s construction is fast-tracked, with a one-year target for full operation. An additional $100 million will support research and technology upgrades, including new detection tools, livestock treatments, and expanded patrols along the southern border.
Industry leaders have described the announcement as a “cornerstone” in the fight against the screwworm threat. Texas agricultural associations highlight the direct risk to family-owned ranches and rural communities, which have already suffered from previous outbreaks and now face renewed pressure due to the pest’s advance. The project is expected to create new jobs in south Texas and reinforce America’s standing as a leader in agricultural innovation and biosecurity.
Strategic Shift: Restoring Sovereignty and Rural Security
This new facility marks a return to American-led biosecurity after years of dependence on foreign partners. The screwworm, a flesh-eating maggot capable of killing livestock, was eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s thanks to the Sterile Insect Technique, but the country has since scaled down domestic capacity. The push to restore these capabilities gained bipartisan support following industry warnings and the Biden administration’s perceived reluctance to invest in border agricultural defenses. Secretary Rollins and Congressional leaders now present the project as both a national security and economic protection measure, ensuring that American ranchers and consumers are not left vulnerable to cross-border pest and disease incursions.
Broader implications include reduced risk of billions in livestock losses, strengthened rural economies, and less exposure to foreign supply disruptions. The project also signals to rural America that their concerns—often dismissed under previous leadership—are now prioritized, with government action backing up promises of border security and agricultural independence.
Expert Endorsements and Future Outlook
USDA scientists and entomologists strongly support the sterile fly approach, calling it the most effective method to contain the screwworm threat. Industry and government consensus underscores the urgency and necessity of building U.S.-based capacity, while some experts urge continued vigilance and international coordination as pest threats evolve. The Texas facility is expected to set a new standard for agricultural biosecurity, reinforcing the principle that America must not rely on foreign entities to protect its food supply. Limited dissent exists, with some calling for even broader measures and ongoing technological innovation to stay ahead of emerging threats. The path forward prioritizes investment, preparedness, and a clear message: American agriculture will not be left undefended.
Sources:
US plans to build $750M fly factory in Texas to stop cattle parasite
USDA unveils Texas screwworm facility, eradication strategy
Secretary Rollins announces bold plan to combat New World screwworm’s northward spread
