As part of preventative efforts to stop the northward spread of NWS, USDA has established a new sterile fly dispersal area (polygon) that will extend approximately 50 miles into Texas along the U.S. border with Tamaulipas, Mexico. While NWS has not been detected in Texas, South Texas landowners may observe preventative sterile fly deployments in their area.
Sterile NWS flies do not cause infestations and are a proven, safe tool used to suppress NWS populations by reducing egg production. These deployments may not be noticeable during day-to-day operations, but targeted aerial and ground dispersals are a critical component of an effective NWS prevention strategy.
We are currently awaiting further guidance from USDA and TAHC regarding the specific timeline for sterile fly dispersals in Texas. We have also formally requested that landowners be notified in advance of any aerial or ground-based sterile fly deployments, so producers are aware of activity occurring on or near their operations.
Operationally, Moore Air Base is scheduled to receive its first shipment of NWS pupae on Monday, February 2nd to test dispersal systems. Following this test phase, the dispersal facility is expected to be fully operational within the next two to three weeks. On the production side, Mexico’s NWS facility is projected to reach a capacity of approximately 100 million sterile flies by the end of the year. Additionally, groundbreaking on the production facility at Moore Air Base is scheduled for March 2026, with completion currently anticipated in 2027.
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as more information becomes available.
Source: TSCRA.org
New World screwworm prevention efforts and related operational updates
