USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Break Ground on New Texas Sterile Fly Production Facility

New facility will expand domestic capacity to combat New World Screwworm pest, protecting livestock and food supply chain

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:34pm

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An abstract, geometric painting in earthy tones depicting the complex scientific forces and concepts behind sterile insect technique, a method for controlling the New World Screwworm pest that threatens livestock.A new government-backed facility in Texas aims to bolster America's domestic capacity to produce sterile flies, a key tool in the fight against the devastating New World Screwworm pest.Edinburg Today

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have broken ground on a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, Texas. The $750 million facility is a key part of USDA's strategy to combat the New World Screwworm (NWS) pest, which threatens livestock, wildlife, and public health. The facility is expected to reach an initial production capacity of 100 million sterile flies per week by November 2027, with plans to scale up to 300 million flies per week.

Why it matters

The New World Screwworm is a serious pest that can devastate livestock herds, disrupt rural economies, and threaten the resilience of the nation's food supply chain. This new facility will expand the U.S. government's domestic capacity to produce sterile flies, a proven method for eradicating screwworm outbreaks. By reducing reliance on foreign production, this investment strengthens America's ability to protect its agricultural sector from this dangerous pest.

The details

The new facility is being built at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, with USACE providing engineering, design, construction management, and contract oversight. The aggressive timeline aims to have the initial 100 million flies per week capacity operational by November 2027, with plans to continue expanding to 300 million flies per week. This new facility will complement USDA's existing sterile fly production in Panama and Mexico, creating a robust network to rapidly respond to any NWS threats.

  • Groundbreaking ceremony held on April 17, 2026.
  • Initial operational capability targeted for November 2027, reaching 100 million sterile flies per week.
  • Construction continues to scale full production capacity to 300 million sterile flies per week.

The players

Brooke L. Rollins

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

William H. 'Butch' Graham

Lieutenant General, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general.

John Cornyn

U.S. Senator for Texas.

Monica De La Cruz

U.S. Representative for Texas's 15th congressional district.

Jenny Hoskins

Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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What they’re saying

“Breaking ground on this facility marks a major investment in safeguarding America's livestock and the producers who feed this nation. This puts NWS sterile fly production in American hands, so we do not have to rely on other countries for the best offensive measure to push screwworm away from our borders.”

— Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

“Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Rollins for your leadership in helping mitigate the spread of the dangerous New World screwworm. I am glad to be in the Rio Grande Valley today for the groundbreaking of the sterile fly production facility, which will combat this parasite from spreading throughout the Lone Star State.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator for Texas

“Today's groundbreaking is a historic moment for South Texas, and I am thrilled to see this $750 million investment officially begin to take shape for our farmers and ranchers. I am incredibly proud to have helped secure this facility and appreciate Secretary Rollins' commitment to protecting Texas agriculture from the threat of the New World Screwworm.”

— Monica De La Cruz, U.S. Representative for Texas's 15th congressional district

“Our mission at USACE is to deliver engineering solutions, with our partners, to secure our Nation, strengthen our economy, and reduce disaster risk. That's why we're proud to deliver an engineering solution to the New World Screwworm, which represents a direct threat to our nation's livestock, our food security, and our economy.”

— William H. 'Butch' Graham, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general

“The work here today would not be possible without the hardworking Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) employees here at USDA. Our partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers is essential, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment.”

— Jenny Hoskins, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture

What’s next

The new facility is expected to reach its initial operational capability of 100 million sterile flies per week by November 2027, with construction continuing to scale up to 300 million flies per week.

The takeaway

This new sterile fly production facility in Texas represents a major investment by the U.S. government to bolster domestic capabilities for combating the New World Screwworm pest, which poses a significant threat to the nation's livestock industry and food supply chain. By reducing reliance on foreign production, this facility will strengthen America's ability to rapidly respond to any future screwworm outbreaks.