Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins is on stage with Texas Governor Greg Abbott talking new steps to stop the spread of New World Screwworm.
Rollins says USDA will build on their five-point plan that is already in place. USDA will be building a domestic sterile fly facility in Edinburg, Texas, where they will be able to supply 300 million flies per week. They are also dishing out $200 million to help in the meantime, which will buy technology that officials can use to bridge the gap until the facility is built.
Rollins calls the plan a tactical move and says USDA will be proactive with this situation.
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Federal and state leaders say new investments in surveillance, sterile fly production and research will strengthen efforts to stop the livestock pest.
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Livestock groups support USDA’s expanded grazing guidance, while environmental groups have raised concerns.
Task force member Warren Cude says sterile fly releases and early reporting remain key to slowing New World screwworm.
