Mexico and U.S. Collaborate on $51 Million Facility to Combat Screwworm Outbreak

In a strategic move to contain a resurgence of screwworm threatening livestock exports, the Mexican government has commenced construction of a state-of-the-art facility in the southern region of the country. The $51 million initiative, a joint venture between Mexico and the United States, is aimed at mass-producing sterile screwworm flies—a proven method for controlling the spread of the parasitic pest.

According to a statement issued by Mexico's Agriculture Ministry on Monday, the facility is expected to be operational by the first half of 2026 and will produce up to 100 million sterile screwworm flies per week. The release of sterile flies into the environment prevents wild populations from reproducing, gradually eradicating the pest.

Of the total project cost, the United States—Mexico's largest trading partner—is contributing $21 million, while the Mexican government will fund the remaining $30 million.

This joint response comes after the U.S. suspended imports of certain livestock from Mexico on May 11, following the detection of screwworm, which has been eliminated from the United States for decades, spreading northward from southern Mexico.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has since announced a phased reopening of livestock ports, beginning July 8 with the port of entry in Douglas, Arizona. The USDA also confirmed plans to establish a sterile fly dispersal center in Hidalgo County, Texas, to reinforce containment and eradication efforts.

Screwworm is a highly destructive pest that infests livestock and wildlife, with larvae that burrow into the flesh of living animals, often leading to severe injury or death if untreated. The new facility marks a major step in binational efforts to protect agricultural industries and animal health across North America.