USDA announces $25 million in funding for sterile fly dispersal facility in Douglas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that it will allocate $25 million for a sterile fly dispersal facility in Douglas, Arizona.

USDA says sterile New World screwworm fly release is the most effective way to eradicate the flesh-eating parasite. Sterile flies mate with normal screwworm flies to dwindle the population. There is currently only one other sterile fly distribution facility in the United States, in southern Texas.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the funding in a visit to Douglas.

“The sterile insect technique is the only proven method to eradicate New World screwworm, and we will continue expanding this critical tool to protect America’s livestock and food supply,” Rollins said in a post on social media.

The border has been closed to livestock from Mexico for over a year to protect against the spread of the parasite, but is set to reopen next month starting in Douglas.

Neither Arizona, nor its southern neighbor, Sonora, have confirmed any cases of New World screwworm as both Mexico and the United States work to fight their own outbreaks.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs posted a letter she sent to Rollins on social media Wednesday, in which she expressed support for the sterile fly dispersal facility.

“Arizona is already working with local leaders and livestock industry partners to protect our cattle from New World Screwworm,” Hobbs posted on X. “We hope the federal government will work with us to keep our cattle safe, lower the price of beef and ensure we block this pest from coming into our state with a new sterile fly dispersal facility.”