The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is initiating the recruitment of 228 employees for a new fly-breeding facility set to open in mid-2027 at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. A hiring event will take place in McAllen from November 17 to 19.
The New World Screwworm Sterile Fly Production Facility aims to produce an impressive 300 million sterile male flies weekly to combat the reproduction of the harmful New World screwworm larvae that have been spreading across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. The timeline for filling the 228 positions and the commencement of training for new hires remains uncertain.
Located near the Texas border, this facility will be a pioneering establishment in the U.S. Once fully operational, it will significantly enhance the availability of sterile flies, which are considered a critical tool in the fight against these invasive pests. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins emphasized that the personnel hired will play a crucial role in this initiative, helping to safeguard livestock and restore the ecological balance.
The facility is designed to produce large quantities of sterile male New World screwworm flies. After their release into the environment, these flies will mate with females, effectively preventing them from laying eggs that would hatch into damaging larvae. Notably, female screwworms mate only once in their lifespan, and the sterile flies are deemed safe for both animals and humans.
The USDA plans to implement the sterile insect technique alongside ongoing surveillance, education, and outreach efforts. This method has a successful history, having been used to eradicate the New World screwworm from the U.S. back in 1966. The larvae threaten livestock by infesting open wounds, leading to severe and sometimes fatal consequences for affected animals.
The current outbreak of the New World screwworm in the U.S. began in June, when the parasite was first identified in a calf in Zavala County. Since then, it has spread to multiple counties in West and South Texas, as well as parts of Arizona and New Mexico. Texas has recorded at least 69 confirmed cases this year, with the latest detection occurring on November 9 in a sheep from Val Verde County. The parasite has also affected various livestock, including cattle, and has been found in pets and wildlife such as elk.
In response to the rapidly spreading outbreak in Mexico earlier this year, federal officials have intensified their efforts to protect livestock from this parasite. Currently, the USDA operates two sterile fly production facilities abroad—one in Panama producing around 100 million sterile flies weekly and another in Mexico, which opened in June and is gradually increasing its output.
The establishment of the Texas facility is expected to provide the rapid response capability necessary to address any threats posed by the New World screwworm effectively. Construction of the facility is projected to be completed by April 2027.
For those interested in applying for positions at the new facility, applications can be submitted online. The upcoming hiring event will be hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center, running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 17-19. This initiative presents an opportunity for skilled professionals who may not have previously considered a career in government to contribute to an important mission.
