To combat the New World screwworm fly threat to American cattle, the US will open a $8.5 million fly factory in Texas by year's end. This facility will breed millions of sterile male flies to mate with wild females, preventing reproduction. This complements a similar facility in Panama and addresses the recent fly resurgence in Mexico, prompting a US cattle import ban. The initiative aims to prevent the economic devastation caused by the flesh-eating larvae and protect both livestock and pets.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.