USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

🪰 Ground Operations, Maximum Impact  USDA teams continue to deploy sterile New World screwworm flies where they can make the biggest difference. Since February, in our southern border states:   ✅ 43,073,520 sterile flies released from ground chambers   ✅ Targeted coverage in key areas   ✅ Supporting broader aerial release operations  Every sterile fly released helps disrupt the screwworm lifecycle and strengthen our defense against NWS.  #FlyMaxxing #ProtectingAgriculture

USDA continues to deploy sterile New World screwworm flies across key locations along the southern border.  ✅ More than 1,711,046,000 sterile flies released 
 ✅ Daily aerial and ground operations  By overwhelming wild populations with sterile flies, we're helping to safeguard livestock, wildlife, pets, and our agricultural resources.  #ProtectingAgriculture #FlyMaxxing

✨New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Update✨    👏 Louisiana State University Agricultural Center is working to create an innovative biocontrol strategy to target and control New World screwworm. @LSUAgCenter  Learn more about the Grand Challenge ➡️ Innovation and Research To Stop Screwworm 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/animals/anima… | Screwworm.gov  #StopScrewworm

📊Number of the Day: 86,487 Since July 3, 2025, more than 86,487 suspect flies have been submitted from traps, with only 5 wild New World screwworm flies detected. Supporting this effort: 🪰 Over 300 NWS-specific fly traps and bait locations 🔬 More than 7,000 insect traps in border states Surveillance works because of strong collaboration among USDA, state officials, industry partners, and producers. 🤝

@USDA_APHIS Wildlife Services is using broad wildlife surveillance to support the New World screwworm response—strengthening situational awareness, supporting detection, and guiding rapid follow-up. Across the southern border states, since July 2025:    28,464 wildlife examined through on-the-ground observation  130 species checked in 207 counties   1 confirmed case in wildlife  Our teams and partners are on the ground every day protecting U.S. wildlife, livestock, and communities.   #StopScrewworm #NWSResponse

🐾 Another treatment option for New World screwworm in dogs!  Our partners @FDA have authorized the emergency use of Bravecto® (fluralaner) chewable tablets to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and puppies. 🐶✅  Thanks to FDA for expanding the toolbox of available treatments to protect animal health! 🤝 Learn more: 🔗 fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cv…

USDA is hiring! Make a difference in the fight against New World screwworm and help protect America's livestock and wildlife!    Join us Nov. 17–19 in McAllen, TX, as we fill 200+ positions for the new NWS Sterile Fly Production Facility at Moore Air Base.  ✅ On-site interviews 
✅ Bring your résumé 
📍 Embassy Suites McAllen 
🕗 8am - 8pm CST  Learn more: aphis.usda.gov/careers/job-o…

✨New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Update✨   👏 Trustees of Indiana University/Indiana University is developing a nutrition supplement to help produce more male sterile New World Screwworm flies. This project is working to support the fight against NWS by making it easier to release more sterile male files—improving the impact of sterile insect technique used to control screwworm. @IndianaUniv  Learn more about the Grand Challenge ➡️ Innovation and Research To Stop Screwworm 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/animals/anima… | Screwworm.gov   #StopScrewworm

🚧 Construction Update—Moore Air Base, Edinburg TX 🚧  Early mornings, major milestones. 🌅🏗️  From completing the first-level slab to achieving the project's first second-level concrete placement, crews continue to hit key construction milestones that move this critical New World screwworm sterile fly production facility one step closer to operation.  #BuildingAFlyFactory 🪰🛠️

🛡️Building a Stronger Barrier Every Day🛡  Sterile fly releases remain a critical part of the USDA's New World screwworm response.   Since February: 🪰 42,818,320 sterile flies released from ground chambers.   📍Precision deployment in priority areas. 🤝Working alongside aerial release efforts.  Together, these tools help suppress wild screwworm populations and protect livestock, wildlife, and rural communities.  #flymaxxing #USDAOnTheGround

Last week, USDA Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness John Bellinger joined representatives from USDA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Texas, and Mortenson Construction for a tour of the New World Screwworm Sterile Fly Production Facility construction site at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The visit provided an opportunity to assess construction progress and review key milestones supporting USDA's New World screwworm mission.