USDA APHIS News Releases

USDA and US Army Corps of Engineers Break Ground on New Texas Sterile Fly Production Facility

USDA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 17, 2026, for a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The facility will expand domestic capacity to produce sterile flies as part of a five-pronged strategy to combat New World Screwworm. The facility aims to protect livestock, wildlife, and public health from this pest.

Updated New World Screwworm Response Playbook Released

USDA APHIS released an updated New World Screwworm Response Playbook on April 8, 2026, replacing a draft version from October 2025. The 200+ page playbook provides science-based strategies for coordinated federal, state, tribal, and local response operations, including expanded wildlife management guidance, clarified terminology, and updated animal movement requirements for responding to NWS detections.

APHIS Leadership Retirement and Appointments

USDA APHIS announced the retirement of Associate Administrator Michelle Wenberg after 38 years of federal service, and the appointments of Matthew Rhoads as Deputy Administrator for Plant Protection and Quarantine and Hallie Zimmers as Deputy Administrator for Emergency and Regulatory Compliance Services. Wenberg's portfolio will be distributed among current executive leaders.

USDA APHIS Facilitates Return of Burrowing Owls

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the successful repatriation of two burrowing owls that were accidentally shipped from Florida to Spain. APHIS coordinated with international partners to ensure the birds' safe return and quarantine.

FDA Authorizes Topical Spray for New World Screwworm Prevention

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide. This authorization allows for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations in multiple animal species, including cattle, sheep, goats, and horses.

USDA and Army Corps Contract for Texas Sterile Fly Facility

The USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have awarded a construction contract for a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility is part of a strategy to combat the New World Screwworm and protect U.S. livestock and public health.

FDA Authorizes Drugs for New World Screwworm in Dogs and Cats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued two Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for drugs to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats. These EUAs apply to NexGard chewable tablets and NexGard COMBO topical solution.

Federal Agencies Crack Down on Chronic Dog Welfare Violators

The USDA, DOJ, DHS, and HHS have launched a coordinated effort to crack down on chronic dog welfare violators and prosecute those involved in dog fighting. This initiative aims to increase compliance with existing laws and protect companion animals.

USDA Completes Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas

The USDA announced the completion of a sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This new facility will enhance the agency's capacity to combat the New World Screwworm by increasing the range of sterile fly releases along the U.S. border and within the country if needed.