Fact Check: U.S. to build $8.5 million fly factory to combat deadly screwworms
What We Know
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to construct a sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas, with an investment of $8.5 million. This initiative was launched by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on June 18, 2025, as part of a broader strategy to combat the resurgence of NWS, a pest known for causing severe damage to livestock and wildlife (USDA Press Release). The facility aims to breed sterile male flies that will be released into the wild to mate with females, thereby preventing them from laying eggs that develop into harmful larvae (AP News).
The USDA's plan is a response to recent detections of NWS in Mexico, which have raised concerns about the potential spread of this pest into the U.S. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 and will be only the second of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, joining an existing facility in Panama (CBS News).
Analysis
The announcement of the $8.5 million fly factory is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including government press releases and news articles from established media outlets. The USDA has outlined a comprehensive five-pronged plan to address the threat posed by NWS, which includes not only the construction of the fly factory but also enhanced surveillance and cooperation with Mexican authorities to control the pest's spread (USDA Press Release, New York Post).
The credibility of the sources reporting on this initiative is high. The USDA is a government agency, and its press releases are official statements that provide accurate information about government actions. Additionally, major news organizations like AP and CBS have reported on the initiative, providing independent verification of the USDA's claims (AP News, CBS News).
While some sources may express concern about the economic impact of NWS on the agriculture sector, the factual basis of the fly factory's establishment remains consistent across reports. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the USDA's proactive measures, which include suspending imports of live cattle from Mexico to mitigate the risk of infestation (AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that the U.S. is building an $8.5 million fly factory to combat deadly screwworms is True. The USDA's announcement, supported by multiple credible sources, confirms the establishment of this facility as part of a strategic response to a significant agricultural threat. The initiative reflects a serious commitment to safeguarding livestock and wildlife from the potential devastation caused by the New World screwworm.
Sources
- Secretary Rollins Announces Bold Plan to Combat New World Screwworm’s Northward Spread - USDA
- The US plans to open a fly factory in Texas as part of its fight against a flesh-eating parasite - AP News
- U.S. plans to combat spread of "man-eater" screwworms with $8.5M fly factory - CBS News
- US government to build $8.5M fly breeding factory to mass produce - New York Post
- Rep. Tony Gonzales, USDA Secretary Rollins Announce Plan to Stop Screwworms - Texas Insider
