The U.S. plans to invest $750 million in a fly breeding factory in southern Texas to combat the New World screwworm fly, which threatens the cattle industry by potentially crossing the border from Mexico. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the initiative, aiming to produce 300 million sterile flies weekly and implement advanced pest control measures while keeping the border closed to livestock imports until the issue is contained.
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A Maryland resident is diagnosed with screwworm. Here’s what to know about the flesh-eating parasite.
A Maryland resident diagnosed with New World screwworm after traveling to El Salvador marks the first U.S. case linked to a current outbreak; the individual has since recovered with no transmission reported. New World screwworm is a rare parasitic fly that infests open wounds, posing low risk to the public, though officials are concerned about its potential spread in the U.S. again. Want More Context? 🔎
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