health

March 10, 2026

Minnesota company lands $610M contract to combat Texas screwworm crisis

This week, Texas advanced plans to build a new sterile fly production facility, an integral part of the government’s strategy to keep the New World Screwworm from devastating the state’s multibillion-dollar livestock industry.

Minnesota company lands $610M contract to combat Texas screwworm crisis

TL;DR

  • Texas is building a new sterile fly production facility to combat the New World Screwworm.
  • The facility, located in Edinburg, South Texas, is expected to produce 300 million sterile flies weekly.
  • Mortenson Construction was awarded a $610 million contract to build the plant.
  • The facility is scheduled for completion by 2027 and will be the first of its kind in the United States.
  • The current reliance on a Panama facility producing 100 million flies weekly is insufficient.
  • The New World Screwworm can devastate Texas's multibillion-dollar livestock industry by feeding on animal flesh.
  • Sterile male flies mating with females prevent unfertilized eggs from hatching, thus controlling the population.
  • The screwworm threat has increased as it has traveled from the Caribbean and South America into northern Mexico.

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