The sterile insect technique remains the most proven, science-based method for eradication. Without a U.S.-based facility, response capacity will be limited if NWS crosses the southern border. Additionally, a domestic facility will help overcome supply challenges in Mexico and Central America, strengthening the fight against NWS and further protecting the U.S. cattle herd.
This announcement from USDA comes just two weeks after KLA, NCBA and 177 other organizations representing livestock and dairy producers, markets, wildlife managers and agribusinesses from across the nation sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins expressing their concern about the lack of progress on establishing a domestic sterile fly production facility. The letter urged the Trump administration to immediately secure full funding and begin construction, emphasizing that prevention now is far less costly than responding to an outbreak later.