New sterile fly facility planned as parasite advances to within 60 miles of the United States.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal and state officials are intensifying efforts to stop the spread of a flesh-eating parasite approaching the U.S. southern border, as new data shows the threat moving closer to Texas.
According to a study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the New World screwworm has been detected roughly 60 miles from the Texas border in Nuevo León, Mexico. The parasite, detailed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a species of fly whose larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals and humans.
State officials say the proximity raises concern for livestock and public health. Sid Miller, commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, warned that the situation requires immediate attention.
“This is now the northernmost active case in Mexico, and that puts Texas squarely in the crosshairs,” Miller said, adding that the detection falls within an existing sterile fly dispersal zone. He emphasized the need to expand surveillance and strengthen coordination along the border to prevent further spread.
The parasite reproduces by laying eggs in open wounds or body openings. Once hatched, larvae burrow into living tissue, feeding for several days before exiting the host and maturing into adult flies.
To counter the threat, federal agencies are moving forward with a large-scale containment strategy. The USDA, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has begun development of a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, Texas.
Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, said the facility will play a key role in controlling the pest. “Breaking ground on this facility marks a major investment in safeguarding America’s livestock and the producers who feed this nation,” she said, noting that domestic production of sterile flies will reduce reliance on foreign programs.
The facility is expected to begin operations in November 2027, initially producing 100 million sterile flies per week, with plans to scale up to 300 million weekly. The approach relies on releasing sterile male flies into the wild, which mate with females and prevent viable offspring from being produced.
Officials say this method has been effective in past eradication efforts and remains the primary strategy for controlling screwworm populations.
Authorities are also advising livestock owners to remain vigilant. Warning signs include visible larvae or eggs, unusual drainage or foul odors around animals’ natural openings, and symptoms of infection. Regular inspection of animals is recommended to detect early signs of infestation.
The Texas Department of Agriculture said it continues to monitor developments closely, working with federal and Mexican authorities to track and respond to the spread.
Officials stress that ongoing coordination and rapid response measures will be critical to preventing the parasite from crossing into the United States and affecting livestock industries and public health.
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