USDA Breaks Ground on Texas Sterile Fly Facility to Combat Screwworm

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), has broken ground on a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The project marks a key step in efforts to strengthen U.S. preparedness against the New World Screwworm (NWS), a pest that poses risks to livestock, wildlife and the broader agricultural supply chain.

The facility is part of a broader strategy aimed at expanding domestic capacity to respond to NWS outbreaks. Officials say the investment is intended to reduce reliance on international production while improving response speed and scale within the United States.

“Breaking ground on this facility marks a major investment in safeguarding America’s livestock and the producers who feed this nation. This puts NWS sterile fly production in American hands, so we do not have to rely on other countries for the best offensive measure to push screwworm away from our borders,” said Secretary Rollins. “The New World Screwworm threatens the health of our herds, the stability of rural economies and the resilience of our supply chain. President Trump and his entire cabinet is committed to leveraging every resource necessary to contain this pest, protect American agriculture and ensure the long-term security of our food supply chain.”

The sterile insect technique, which the facility will support, involves raising and sterilizing male flies before releasing them into affected areas. Because female screwworm flies mate only once, mating with sterile males prevents reproduction, helping suppress and eliminate populations. This method has been used successfully in previous eradication efforts and remains a core component of the USDA’s approach.

The new Texas facility is being constructed with an accelerated timeline. Initial operations are targeted for November 2027, with production expected to reach 100 million sterile flies per week. Construction will continue beyond that phase to expand capacity to 300 million flies per week.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a historic moment for South Texas, and I am thrilled to see this $750 million investment officially begin to take shape for our farmers and ranchers,” said Representative De La Cruz. “I am incredibly proud to have helped secure this facility and appreciate Secretary Rollins’ commitment to protecting Texas agriculture from the threat of the New World Screwworm. Together, we are taking a vital step to protect our cattle industry and keep our local agricultural community thriving.”

USACE is responsible for engineering, design and construction oversight, with a focus on meeting biosecurity and operational standards required for long-term use.

“Our mission at USACE is to deliver engineering solutions, with our partners, to secure our Nation, strengthen our economy, and reduce disaster risk,” said LTG Graham. “That’s why we’re proud to deliver an engineering solution to the New World Screwworm, which represents a direct threat to our nation’s livestock, our food security, and our economy. This new, modern facility is the critical infrastructure we need to secure a defensive line against the New World Screwworm for generations to come.”

The new facility will operate alongside existing international production efforts, including a Panama-based facility producing 100 million sterile flies per week and a modernization project in Metapa, Mexico, expected to be operational in summer 2026. Together, these facilities are intended to create a broader network capable of responding quickly to emerging threats.

For farmers and ranchers, the development signals an increased domestic focus on pest prevention and livestock protection. Officials say expanding sterile fly production capacity will help reduce risks to herds, support animal health and strengthen the resilience of U.S. agriculture against future outbreaks.