U.S. Launches $750M Fly Factory in Texas to Combat Cattle Parasite

URGENT UPDATE: The U.S. is moving swiftly to combat a dangerous cattle parasite, announcing plans to construct a $750 million fly factory in Edinburg, Texas. This facility will breed billions of sterile New World screwworm flies to prevent flesh-eating maggots from invading the U.S. cattle industry. Secretary Brooke Rollins revealed the ambitious project just moments ago, confirming that the factory aims to produce and release flies into the wild within the next year.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Texas State Capitol alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This initiative comes as the U.S. grapples with the threat posed by the screwworm, which has already forced officials to close the border to cattle, horses, and bison imports from Mexico three times in the past eight months. The most recent closure occurred in July 2023 after an infestation was detected just 370 miles from the Texas border.

Rollins emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Farm security is national security. All Americans should be concerned.” The sterile male flies will be released in large quantities to mate with wild females, ultimately reducing the fly population and protecting American livestock from economic devastation. Experts predict that if the screwworm reaches Texas, it could lead to billions of dollars in losses and exacerbate already skyrocketing retail beef prices, contributing to further inflation.

The USDA is also investing an additional $100 million in advanced technology, including fly traps and lures, and enhancing border patrols with “tick riders” on horseback and specially trained dogs. Rollins stated that these measures are crucial to pushing the pest back towards Panama, where the fly had been contained until last year through similar breeding techniques.

In a collaborative effort, Mexico’s Agriculture Ministry has partnered with the USDA to implement a screwworm control action plan. This includes monitoring using fly-attracting traps and ensuring livestock movements within Mexico are conducted through government-certified corrals. Mexican Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué Sacristán expressed optimism on social media, stating, “We will continue with conversations that lead to actions that will permit the reopening of livestock exports.”

The planned factory in Texas marks the first establishment of its kind on U.S. soil in decades, signaling a renewed commitment to combatting this invasive species. Previously, the U.S. successfully eradicated the screwworm in the 1970s using similar breeding strategies but closed fly factories shortly afterward. With the Mexican cattle industry suffering from infestations and export bans, the pressure is mounting for effective solutions.

Rollins confirmed that the new Texas facility is projected to produce up to 300 million flies per week, significantly boosting the current capabilities of fly breeding. The existing Panama fly factory can breed up to 117 million flies weekly, while an additional Mexican facility aims to add 100 million more. This tactical move is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on fly breeding operations in Mexico and Panama.

As this situation develops, all eyes are on Texas, where the fight against the screwworm will significantly impact the U.S. agricultural landscape and food prices. Stay tuned for more updates as authorities work diligently to protect American livestock and ensure food security.