USDA Accelerates Opening of South Texas Sterile Screwworm Fly Facility to Early 2027
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that its facility in South Texas, dedicated to producing sterile screwworm flies, is now projected to open in spring 2027. This new timeline represents an acceleration of seven months from previous expectations. The facility is a critical component of the USDA's strategy to combat screwworms through sterile fly biocontrol, which is considered their most effective method. Currently, the USDA relies on screwworm flies produced in Mexico and Panama for its biocontrol efforts. The agency has confirmed 46 cases of New World Screwworm since June, with only two cases remaining active as of August 19. The USDA continues to monitor and track detections of screwworms in both Texas and New Mexico. 
