HUSA Feb 16 2026 – New World Screwworm

Screwworm photo from Texas Farm Bureau

February 9, 2026 marked the grand opening of the sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in the Rio Grande Valley. This is a major step forward in protecting U.S. livestock and wildlife from the threat of New World screwworm.

Texas Farm Bureau leaders joined U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Gov. Greg Abbott, and other state and federal officials for the ribbon cutting and facility tour.

The facility will use the sterile insect technique, an effective, science-based approach that releases sterile male flies into targeted areas to disrupt reproduction and gradually reduce screwworm populations. This tool is critical to stopping the pest before it can move farther north.

USDA officials said the new dispersal area will include operations along the border with Tamaulipas, extending roughly 50 miles into Texas. The effort is designed to slow the screwworm’s movement through Mexico and prevent its reintroduction into the United States.

Moore Air Base previously played a role in screwworm eradication efforts during the 1960s and 1970s.

Texas Farm Bureau leaders also participated in a roundtable discussion with Secretary Rollins and Gov. Abbott focused on the 1944 Water Treaty, emphasizing the need for consistent, full water deliveries from Mexico to protect Texas farmers and ranchers.

More about the Screwworm in the Texas Farm Bureau article here.