News & Updates
Coalition News
We’ve pulled together a collection of recent news releases and updates that highlight the Coalition’s work, progress, and impact. Stay informed on the latest developments and advocacy efforts.
What's Happening to Combat New World screwworm?
New World screwworm is not yet in Texas. However, it is well understood the devastation the pest can cause. Current efforts are underway to address the threat of New World screwworm.
Coordination at the State Level
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Animal Health Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to form the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team, tasked with leading prevention and preparedness efforts statewide.
USDA Five-Point Strategy
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins introduced the New World Screwworm Domestic Readiness and Response Policy Initiative, a comprehensive five-point strategy to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest.
Expanded Sterile Insect Technology Capacity
Our ability to protect Texas from New World screwworm is limited by a critical production gap of sterile New World screwworm flies. Currently, the world’s only sterile fly production facility is located in Panama, and limited to producing a maximum of 100 million flies per week.
In May 2025, USDA announced a $21 million investment to renovate an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico to produce 60-100 million additional sterile New World screwworm flies weekly.
In June 2025, USDA announced the immediate construction of a sterile insect dispersal facility at Moore Air Base near Edinburg, TX, set to be completed in 2025.
In August 2025, USDA announced $750 million in federal funding for a domestic sterile fly production facility at Moore Airfield Base in Edinburg, Texas, as well as additional dollars for research. Once completed, the new sterile fly production facility has a capacity of 300 million flies per week.
Stay Informed
Education & Outreach
The Screwworm Coalition of Texas is working alongside animal health officials to deliver trusted and reliable information about the threat of New World screwworm to the public.