WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) released the statement below following U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins's announcement that $750 million will be invested in the construction of a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County.
As the threat posed by the New World Screwworm moves northward, the production and distribution facilities will be crucial in deploying sterile flies to prevent potential outbreaks of the New World Screwworm in the U.S. According to the USDA, the facility will produce 300 million sterile flies per week.
“If we do not act now, the New World Screwworm could devastate Texas livestock and wildlife. I’m proud to have advocated for Secretary Rollins to bring this facility to South Texas. I thank Secretary Rollins for swiftly establishing the critical sterile fly facility in Hidalgo County and investing in new infrastructure to combat the threat posed by this parasite. Working alongside the Administration, I am committed to putting Texas farmers and ranchers first.” - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz
Background:
The New World Screwworm is a highly destructive parasitic fly that infests the flesh of livestock and wildlife. The parasite has been detected in Mexico, approximately 370 miles from the U.S. border. As more cases arise, the threat and concerns of northward spread grow.
During a recent House Agriculture Committee hearing, De La Cruz proposed Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County as a site to help combat New World Screwworm. Following the hearing, USDA Secretary Rollins announced $8.5 million would be invested into the establishment of a sterile fly distribution facility at Moore Air Base.
In May, De La Cruz also sent a letter to the Secretary requesting that Moore Air Base be considered as the location of the sterile fly facility. The Congresswoman has led legislative initiatives, including the New World Screwworm Preparedness Act, to ensure Texas agriculture is prepared to combat the threat.
