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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The initiative could create more opportunities for farmers and ranchers to sell food within their communities.
NCBA says reopening the Douglas port could restore feeder cattle supplies while maintaining New World screwworm safeguards.
Researchers are also working to strengthen African swine fever preparedness.
Texas A&M Extension agents are watching wild animals for signs of the pest.
