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USDA confirms additional screwworm cases in Texas and increases containment efforts

The USDA has confirmed three more cases of New World screwworm in Texas, bringing the total to fifteen.

Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden says when it comes to containing the pest, the math matters.  “We’ve already got a facility in Panama that’s pumping out 100 million sterile flies to help push this pest back,” he says.  “In the next several weeks, we will have a second facility funded by the American taxpayer coming online in Mexico that will add another 100 million flies per week to that.” A third facility, that the USDA broke ground on earlier this year is expected to come online in 2027, and will add an additional 300 million sterile flies per week.

He tells Brownfield the department is monitoring each detection, and with every confirmed case, the sterile fly dispersal polygon shifts.  “We let the science and where the pest detections are found governed by where we are releasing sterile flies,” he says.  “And as we get more sterile flies to release, as more facilities come online, that polygon will only grow in size.”

In a post on X, the USDA said the latest detections were in a lamb in Crockett County and two calves in Edwards County.  To date there have not been any detections in wildlife.  But, Vaden says, “We’re prepared for that, and that’s an important step that we’re monitoring because we’ve got to know every detection in order to be able to track this pest.”

This spring, the USDA announced its Grand Challenge to find innovative ways to fight New World screwworm.  Last week, the department announced funding for 40 breakthrough projects, totaling nearly $105 million. 

The USDA reviewed more than 225 applications; projects were selected based on innovation, scientific standards, and the potential to make a significant impact on the prevention and response to New World screwworm. 

AUDIO: Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, USDA