Source: dvm 360
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened a sterile fly dispersal facility in Tampico, Mexico, to help combat the spread of New World screwworm (NWS), a dangerous parasite that feeds on living tissue and can kill livestock, pets, wildlife, and even humans. The facility supports aerial and ground release of sterile flies across northeastern Mexico, a proven strategy to suppress screwworm populations and prevent the pest from reaching the United States.
Currently, the USDA disperses about 100 million sterile flies weekly in Mexico, with most efforts focused in southern regions where cases are highest. The new facility improves flexibility and rapid response in northern Mexico as detections have occurred less than 70 miles from the US border. Concern is growing for the U.S. livestock industry, prompting parallel actions, including FDA approval of doramectin for cattle treatment. The USDA is also constructing a sterile fly facility in Texas, expected to open in early 2026.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.dvm360.com/view/usda-opens-sterile-fly-dispersal-facility-in-mexico/