Media Contact: TAHC Communications
public_info@tahc.texas.gov
512.719.0750
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2026
EDINBURG, TX – Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Commissioner Joe Leathers, Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. T.R. Lansford, and staff joined United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives, and other officials to break ground on a New World screwworm (NWS) sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas. Sterile NWS flies are a critical tool in the containment and eradication of the pest. Paired with diligent animal monitoring, fly surveillance, movement controls, and heightened producer management practices, enough sterile flies will help prevent the spread and strengthen a response to a NWS incursion. NWS has not been detected in Texas.
Today’s production facility progress and the opening of the NWS sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in February are testaments to a commitment to bolster the U.S.’s capacity to stop this pest. Additionally, rigorous national and state preparedness planning, industry vigilance and support, and producer awareness are key, ongoing elements to reducing the impacts NWS can have on the Texas and national landscape. “It’s going to take everyone doing their part to reduce the impact of this pest, and we’re grateful for the federal government’s commitment to the vital component that is increased sterile fly production,” said Dr. TR Lansford. “We also appreciate Texas livestock industry’s proactive championing of these facilities and support in TAHC and other government partners coordinated preparedness. Texas responders are closely monitoring NWS cases in Mexico, and we remain ready to respond.” Texas producers can fulfill their role in protecting their herd and others by taking proactive measures now. Animal owners can monitor animals regularly, adjust management practices to prevent or promptly treat wounds, and establish a veterinary-client relationship now to discuss species-specific preventative and treatment options.
While NWS is currently being combatted in Mexico, the looming threat to Texas animal agriculture is at the forefront of daily efforts with animal health partners. USDA and TAHC’s established partnerships in past animal health responses and active NWS preparedness sessions strengthen the proactive approach needed to address this issue.
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The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) was established in 1893 as the Livestock Sanitary Commission and charged with protecting the state’s domestic animals “from all contagious or infectious diseases of a malignant character.” TAHC remains true to this charge while evolving with the times to protect the health and marketability of all Texas livestock and poultry. Learn more about the TAHC by visiting www.tahc.texas.gov.
