Story perspectives

Texas Moves to Open Sterile-Fly Facility, Averting $1.8B Screwworm Threat

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Greg Abbott is pushing for Texas sterile-fly facility to open by May 2027.
Officials are scaling up sterile-fly production and seeking approval for a “Novo Fly” strain.
USDA reports twelve screwworm cases since June 3, eleven in Texas and one in New Mexico.
USDA estimates a 1976-like outbreak could cost Texas $1.8 billion and raise beef prices.
FDA issued emergency authorization for an over-the-counter medication for screwworm infections in dogs and cats.

History

Historical Context

Raymond Bushland and Edward Knipling created the sterile-insect technique in the 1950s, eliminating New World screwworm from the U.S. Southwest by 1960 and establishing a Panama barrier that released up to 94 billion sterile flies through 1975. Renewed Texas cases in June 2026 have led Governor Greg Abbott and USDA officials to revive large-scale sterile-fly releases to avert a projected $1.8 billion loss.

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Story summary

Governor Greg Abbott is pushing for Texas sterile-fly facility to open by May 2027.
Officials are scaling up sterile-fly production and seeking approval for a “Novo Fly” strain.
USDA reports twelve screwworm cases since June 3, eleven in Texas and one in New Mexico.
USDA estimates a 1976-like outbreak could cost Texas $1.8 billion and raise beef prices.
FDA issued emergency authorization for an over-the-counter medication for screwworm infections in dogs and cats.

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