Story perspectives

USDA Deploys Sterile Screwworm Flies, Announces $100 M Fund

6/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

On June 9 the USDA released sterile New World screwworm flies from Moore Air Base over infested zones and the U.S.–Mexico border.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $100 million fund for screwworm-control technologies, saying staff cuts have not slowed the response.
USDA confirmed a screwworm case in a dog from Lea County, New Mexico, raising the total to five, and imposed a 20-km quarantine with increased livestock surveillance and trapping.

History

Historical Context

After Edward F. Knipling and Raymond C. Bushland proposed the sterile-insect technique, the USDA adopted it in 1958 and eradicated the New World screwworm from the United States by 1966. Over 94 billion sterile flies were released between 1962 and 1975, creating a lasting barrier. Renewed detections in Texas in 2026 have prompted a new SIT effort coordinated with Mexico.

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Story summary

On June 9 the USDA released sterile New World screwworm flies from Moore Air Base over infested zones and the U.S.–Mexico border.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $100 million fund for screwworm-control technologies, saying staff cuts have not slowed the response.
USDA confirmed a screwworm case in a dog from Lea County, New Mexico, raising the total to five, and imposed a 20-km quarantine with increased livestock surveillance and trapping.

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