The U.S. will build a $750 million factory in Texas to breed billions of sterile New World screwworm flies to combat an infestation threatening the American cattle industry. This measure, alongside $100 million in technology and enhanced border security, aims to prevent the flesh-eating maggots from crossing the border from Mexico. The border remains closed to cattle imports from Mexico until the infestation is controlled. The new facility, the first on US soil in decades, will produce up to 300 million sterile flies weekly, aiming to eradicate the pest through sterile insect technique.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.