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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Industry estimates suggest approximately 500 million sterile flies per week may be required to fully eradicate the pest.
Livestock producers should inspect animals daily, report any suspicious wounds immediately, and comply with local movement restrictions.
USDA confirmed the latest cases involve a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County
