Texas to Enhance Fly Control with New Sterile Insect Facility at Moore Air Force Base

In a recent webinar hosted by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), experts gathered to discuss the critical issue of New World Screwworm, a pest that poses a significant threat to livestock and public health. The meeting, held on July 21, 2025, highlighted the importance of proactive measures in managing this invasive species.

As the discussion unfolded, participants emphasized the urgency of treating animal carcasses to eliminate larvae before they are moved to landfills. "If there are fresh carcasses, we need to make sure that we treat those carcasses to kill off those larvae," one expert noted, underscoring the potential for rapid infestation if proper precautions are not taken. The conversation also touched on the need for thorough cleaning of livestock trailers, which can harbor pupae in hidden crevices, ensuring that the next journey does not inadvertently spread the flies.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on innovative control methods, particularly the use of sterile insect techniques. By exposing pupae to gamma radiation, experts can produce sterile males that, when released into the wild, mate with females without resulting in fertilized eggs. This method aims to gradually reduce the population of the screwworm, a strategy that has shown promise in other regions. Currently, the only facility capable of producing these sterile flies is located in Panama, with plans for a new lab at Moore Air Force Base in Texas that will significantly increase production capacity.

The logistics of releasing these sterile flies were also discussed. The goal is to release approximately 2,300 flies per square mile each week, a seemingly modest number that could add up to millions across vast areas like Texas. Experts acknowledged the challenges of scaling up production and distribution, especially if an infestation were to occur in the U.S.

As the meeting concluded, participants left with a sense of urgency and determination. The fight against the New World Screwworm is not just about managing a pest; it is about protecting livestock, ensuring food safety, and safeguarding the agricultural economy. With ongoing efforts and innovative strategies, there is hope that this invasive threat can be contained before it escalates into a larger crisis.