The U.S. is taking major steps to protect its cattle industry from a serious threat: flesh-eating maggots known as New World screwworms. A new factory will be built in southern Texas, costing around $750 million, to breed billions of sterile flies. This move aims to keep the parasites, which are currently in Mexico, from crossing the border.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins shared that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hopes to start producing these sterile flies within a year. The factory will be located near Edinburg, just 20 miles from the Mexican border. Alongside this factory, the USDA plans to invest $100 million in advanced traps and techniques, including using “tick riders” on horseback and specially trained dogs to detect these pests.
Currently, imports of cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico remain halted until officials manage to push the pest further south. The U.S. has already closed the border to these imports three times in the past eight months due to infestations reported near the Texas border.
The implications of a screwworm invasion are alarming. Experts warn that if these parasites reach Texas, it could result in billions of dollars in losses for the cattle industry. Already high beef prices could soar even more, contributing to overall inflation. The screwworm isn’t just a threat to cattle; it can also infest pets and, in rare cases, humans.
Rollins emphasized, “Farm security is national security.” She urged that the threat affects all Americans, particularly those in states that are directly involved in livestock production.
Historically, the U.S. faced major challenges from screwworms until they were largely eradicated in the 1970s by breeding sterile males. This method proved successful, allowing the U.S. to shut down its fly factories at the time.
In Mexico, the situation has been dire. The agriculture ministry reported significant impacts due to the closing of borders. Recently, Mexican and U.S. officials signed a screwworm control action plan that includes using traps and monitoring to manage the pest’s movement.
In a hopeful update, Mexican Secretary of Agriculture Julio Berdegué expressed his commitment to discussing measures that could soon reopen livestock exports.
The new Texas factory marks the first of its kind in decades, representing a renewed fight against screwworms. By releasing enough sterile males, the wild population can decrease significantly, shrinking over time since females mate only once.
In June, plans were announced to convert an existing fruit fly factory into one for breeding sterile screwworms. Current facilities in Panama can breed about 117 million flies weekly, while the Texas factory aims to produce an astounding 300 million weekly. This initiative not only reduces reliance on breeding in neighboring countries but also prepares the U.S. proactively.
As the battle against screwworms continues, the focus remains on protecting agriculture and maintaining food security for millions of Americans.
For more information, check out the USDA’s resources here.
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