$750 Million Texas Facility to Produce 300 Million Sterile Flies Weekly

New facility aims to safeguard US livestock from deadly New World screwworm parasite

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones depicting interlocking geometric shapes and organic spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific processes behind the mass-production of sterile flies to combat a dangerous livestock parasite.A cutting-edge facility in South Texas will soon mass-produce sterile flies to prevent the deadly New World screwworm from invading the U.S. cattle industry.Edinburg Today

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have broken ground on a $750 million facility in Edinburg, Texas that will produce 300 million sterile flies per week by November 2027. The facility is designed to serve as a defense against the New World screwworm, a deadly flesh-eating parasite that threatens cattle and other livestock. The new facility will complement existing production facilities in Panama and Mexico.

Why it matters

The New World screwworm is not currently present in the U.S., but has been detected about 90 miles from the border with Mexico, where a serious outbreak is ongoing. This new facility is critical infrastructure to secure a defensive line against the spread of the screwworm and protect the vital Texas cattle industry.

The details

At the new facility, scientists will mass-produce sterile male New World screwworm flies and release them into targeted areas. Because female screwworm flies mate only once, pairing with a sterile male ensures their eggs never hatch, helping to eradicate the parasite. The facility is expected to ramp up production quickly from an initial 100 million sterile flies per week to 300 million per week by November 2027.

  • The groundbreaking for the new $750 million facility took place on April 19, 2026.
  • The facility is expected to reach full production of 300 million sterile flies per week by November 2027.
  • The New World screwworm has been detected about 90 miles from the U.S. border as of April 2026.

The players

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal agency responsible for developing the new facility to produce sterile flies to combat the New World screwworm threat.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency partnering with the USDA to construct the new $750 million facility in Edinburg, Texas.

Brooke Rollins

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who stated that the new facility marks a major investment in safeguarding America's livestock and the producers who feed the nation.

William Graham

USACE Lieutenant General, who said the new facility is the critical infrastructure needed to secure a defensive line against the New World screwworm.

Monica De La Cruz

U.S. Representative for Texas's 15th congressional district, who said the facility is a vital step to protect the cattle industry and support the local agricultural community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The New World screwworm threatens the health of our herds, the stability of rural economies, and the resilience of our supply chain. Breaking ground on this facility marks a major investment in safeguarding America's livestock and the producers who feed this nation.”

— Brooke Rollins, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

“This new, modern facility is the critical infrastructure we need to secure a defensive line against the New World screwworm for generations to come.”

— William Graham, USACE Lieutenant General

“Together, we are taking a vital step to protect our cattle industry and keep our local agricultural community thriving.”

— Monica De La Cruz, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The new facility in Edinburg is expected to reach full production of 300 million sterile flies per week by November 2027, providing a critical defense against the spread of the New World screwworm into the United States.

The takeaway

This major investment in a new state-of-the-art facility to mass-produce sterile flies highlights the urgency in protecting the U.S. cattle industry and rural economies from the devastating threat of the New World screwworm. The facility's rapid ramp-up to 300 million sterile flies per week demonstrates the government's commitment to securing a strong defensive line against this deadly parasite.