🚧 Construction Update—Moore Air Base NWS Sterile Fly Production Facility, Edinburg TX 🚧  🙌 Current wins: • Final slab‑on‑grade for initial facility: complete ✅ 
• Central Utilities Plant concrete slab: complete ✅ 
• Foundations set for vertical construction and system install ✅ 
• ~10,200 cubic yards of concrete placed across foundations, supports and floors ✅  Momentum is building! More updates coming soon! 🏗️   #BuildingAFlyFactory🪰🛠️

📢 In case you missed it: @SecRollins announced that horse imports will resume at the Santa Teresa, NM livestock crossing on Oct. 26.  ✅ Import quarantine must take place at a USDA-approved facility in the United States.  ⛔ Quarantine facilities on the Mexican side will remain closed at this time.  Learn more about the import protocol and safeguards protecting U.S. livestock 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/sites/default…

🪰 Sterile Fly Surge – Uniting Against Screwworms  In a coordinated effort to safeguard U.S. agriculture and wildlife, USDA teams have released over 42,818,320 sterile New World screwworm flies since February through ground release chambers in the southern border states, supplementing our aerial release efforts. By inundating critical zones with sterile flies, we are interrupting the life cycles of wild NWS flies.#ProtectingAgriculture #flymaxxing

🚨 @USDA_APHIS is taking action following the first confirmed detection of New World screwworm in U.S. wildlife. USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins joined @AgDayTV to discuss the detection in a Texas elk, ongoing surveillance efforts, and the critical role hunters and landowners play in identifying and reporting potential cases. Early detection is key to protecting American livestock, wildlife, and pets. 🇺🇸 Learn more: Screwworm.gov

✨New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Update✨ Highlighting the high-impact projects that will enhance NWS detection, control, and eradication. 👏Arkion Life Sciences, LLC, is working on a minimum-risk insecticide to combat New World screwworm in U.S. livestock and cohabitant wildlife. Learn more about the Grand Challenge ➡️ Innovation and Research To Stop Screwworm | Screwworm.gov #StopScrewworm

Number of the Day: 1,641,985,725 We celebrate the release of over 1.64 Billion sterile flies, a testament to the USDA’s commitment to defeat New World screwworm. Sterile fly releases, combined with surveillance, reporting, and outreach are essential to ensuring the pest cannot rebuild its population and spread unchecked. Together, these efforts help protect livestock, pets, wildlife, and our agricultural resources. #flymaxxing

🚨 USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm in U.S. Wildlife. New World screwworm has been confirmed in an elk on a Pecos County, TX game ranch. USDA has prepared for NWS cases in wildlife and is working with TX partners to increase wildlife surveillance in the area. The case was reported after the elk was harvested by a hunter, underscoring how vital hunters, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts are in spotting and reporting NWS early. As hunting seasons continue, stay alert for: • Maggots in wounds or body openings • Open or foul-smelling injuries • Weak, isolated, or distressed animals • Signs of infestation around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes, or genital areas If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. Quick action helps protect wildlife, livestock, and pets. USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm in U.S. Wildlife 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-a… | Visit USDA’s Wildlife Toolkit for information for hunters, wildlife-specific NWS treatments, and wildlife health preparedness and response information. 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/animals/anima… | Screwworm.gov

Since June 3, USDA has received 1,000 suspect New World screwworm case submissions nationwide, including 531 from TX.  USDA has confirmed just 56. Only 5 are still active.    What’s driving progress: 
• Quick reporting from people on the ground 
• Strong, coordinated USDA/state/industry response 
• Consistent tracking of suspect cases  #StopScrewworm

Today, @SecRollins met with ranchers and state leaders at the Columbus Port of Entry to discuss the New World screwworm response and safeguards for safely resuming livestock trade.      @USDA @USDA_APHIS @CBP

NEW: @SecRollins announced the next steps in @USDA’s phased reopening of southern livestock ports:      🐂 COLUMBUS, NM: Planned reopening to cattle on October 26. Every animal must undergo multiple inspections before entering the U.S.      🐎 SANTA TERESA, NM: Horse imports are planned to resume on October 26. Import quarantine must take place at the USDA-approved facility on the U.S. side. Mexican-side import quarantine facilities remain closed.    🐂 NOGALES, AZ: Planned reopening to cattle imports on November 30, if conditions continue to support safe trade and required inspection arrangements and infrastructure are in place.      Protecting American livestock remains the priority.

@USDA_APHIS Wildlife Services is on the front lines of the New World screwworm response, monitoring key areas along the southern border. Their work strengthens surveillance and ensures every suspicious sighting gets a rapid follow‑up to protect livestock and wildlife health.  • 27,504 wildlife physically examined  • 130 species checked in 206 counties   • 0 confirmed cases in wildlife