USDA continues work to fight New World Screwworm in Mexico

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Rollins also announced the USDA invested $21 million in renovating an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, to further the long-term goal of eradicating this insect. Once operational the facility will produce 60-100 million additional sterile NWS flies weekly to push the population further south in Mexico. USDA said the additional sterile NWS fly production is critical to its response relative to the geographic spread of NWS.

“Our partnership with Mexico is crucial in making this effort a success,” Rollins said. “We are continuing to work closely with Mexico to push NWS away from the United States and out of Mexico. The investment I am announcing today is one of many efforts my team is making around the clock to protect our animals, our farm economy and the security of our nation’s food supply.”

Live animal import restrictions from Mexico remain in place while the USDA will continue to evaluate the suspensions every 30 days.