The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $25 million in a new sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona, as part of its ongoing effort to keep New World screwworm from reaching American livestock herds. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the funding during a visit to the Douglas Port of Entry in Arizona, where USDA officials are preparing to resume livestock imports from Mexico next month. The proposed Arizona facility would strengthen USDA’s ability to release sterile flies, a key tool used to suppress and eventually eradicate New World screwworm populations.
The new site would complement existing operations in Texas, Mexico, and Panama, while improving response capabilities along the southwest border. USDA says construction could be completed within months, depending on the final location and available infrastructure. Rollins says protecting American agriculture starts with strong border safeguards and emphasized that the Douglas Port will reopen only under strict inspection protocols.
Every animal entering through the facility will undergo multiple veterinary inspections, including a USDA inspection, before being allowed into the United States. Any livestock failing to meet import requirements will be denied entry, and any screwworm detection will immediately halt imports. USDA says the reopening is tied to Mexico’s continued cooperation in a joint action plan to combat New World screwworm, and officials will continue monitoring conditions and adjusting plans as needed to protect the U.S. cattle industry.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.