Texas Governor Greg Abbott is in a race against time as he rallies efforts to combat the resurgence of the New World screwworm fly. With an infestation confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, the state is on high alert, and Abbott is determined to expedite the construction of a $750 million breeding facility. This facility, set to be the size of two Costco stores, aims to produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week, a significant increase from the current weekly production of 4 million. Abbott's urgency is underscored by the potential for a second summer of infestation, which could devastate the $113 billion cattle industry.
The urgency of the situation is further emphasized by the fact that this is the first confirmed case of New World screwworm fly larvae in Texas since 1966. The USDA has already taken steps to accelerate the project, but Abbott is pushing for even more rapid construction, vowing to allocate Texas funds to ensure 24/7 work. The governor's concern is not unfounded, as the fly's larvae can kill animals and, while not infesting meat or fruit, pose a significant threat to food production.
This outbreak is particularly concerning given the current record beef prices, which are already high due to a tight cattle supply. However, experts like Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University believe that the beef supply is unlikely to be affected unless officials restrict cattle movement more than locally or unless infestations appear in feedlots or other concentrated areas. Peel also notes that Mexican imports, which were only about 3% of the U.S. cattle supply, have not been a major driver of prices.
The New World screwworm fly was once a significant problem for U.S. cattle ranchers, but it was eradicated through the breeding of sterile flies and aerial drops. However, the recent outbreak in Panama and the confirmed case in Texas highlight the ongoing threat. The sterile flies are designed to mate with wild females, ensuring that their eggs do not hatch, thereby eradicating the pest. The USDA has already dispersed 130 million flies in Texas since January, with the majority released from planes, and an additional 4 million released weekly as pupae.
Despite these efforts, the challenge remains to predict the fly's movement accurately. Schmoyer, a member of the USDA's screwworm response team, explains that the focus is on where the flies could be weeks from now, using scientific models and traps deployed up to 120 miles away from the infestation site. Abbott's determination to expedite the project is a testament to the gravity of the situation, as the state grapples with the potential for a devastating pest resurgence.
