USDA ramps up sterile fly dispersal after NWS re-emergence

Officials reiterated that New World screwworm (NWS) infestation is treatable and urged livestock producers to monitor their animals closely and report any suspected cases.

Ann Reus
June 4, 2026
Young gray calf standing in dirt farm enclosure with other cattle in background
avezane | BigStock.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins said her agency is releasing millions more sterile flies to combat New World screwworm (NWS) in the area of Texas where the pest was detected on June 3.

This case was the first in the U.S. in more than 60 years and was confirmed in a three-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas.

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