By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has strengthened its partnership with Mexico to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS), a serious threat to livestock.
On a recent call, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and Mexican Secretary Berdegue discussed coordinated actions to manage the spread of NWS, focusing efforts south of the U.S. border.
A key development includes a $21 million investment to renovate a fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico. Once operational, the upgraded facility will produce 60 to 100 million sterile NWS flies per week.
This expansion aims to support the sterile insect technique (SIT), which involves releasing sterilized insects to reduce reproduction in pest populations.
The current SIT operation already releases up to 100 million sterile flies through 44 weekly flights. These flies are produced at the Panama-based Panama – United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) Facility.
The Metapa expansion will significantly increase capacity, helping push the pest farther south.
“Our partnership with Mexico is crucial in making this effort a success,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing to work closely with Mexico to push NWS away from the United States and out of Mexico. The investment I am announcing today is one of many efforts my team is making around the clock to protect our animals, our farm economy, and the security of our nation’s food supply.”
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Mexican authorities are also enhancing surveillance, holding technical meetings, and ensuring animal movement is carefully managed. Restrictions on live animal imports from Mexico will continue and be reviewed every 30 days.
With strengthened surveillance, expanded sterile fly production, and close cross-border coordination, the USDA’s efforts aim to safeguard agriculture and maintain food security by stopping NWS at the source.
Photo Credit: usda
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