Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on Wednesday, July 30th, 2026, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $25 million to open a new sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona aimed at combating the New World Screwworm (NWS). The announcement came during Rollins' visit to Arizona, where she joined GOP Representatives Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani, and Eli Crane to highlight USDA's containment efforts ahead of the planned reopening of the southern cattle port in Douglas, Arizona.

The USDA closed cattle entry points in May 2025 following the detection of an NWS outbreak. Since June 3, 2026, the federal government has identified 42 cases of NWS, with eight cases still active, according to a USDA dashboard. The department is implementing a phased reopening of cattle ports starting next month, including ports in the New Mexico border cities of Santa Teresa and Columbus, contingent on Mexico's compliance with a Joint Action Plan.

Rollins emphasized the importance of the sterile insect technique, stating on X, “The sterile insect technique is the only proven method to eradicate New World screwworm, and we will continue expanding this critical tool to protect America’s livestock and food supply.” She also expressed eagerness to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to establish the Douglas screwworm facility.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assessed the current risk of NWS to the public and animals in the U.S. as very low.

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