started · updated
USDA Reopens Arizona Cattle Border and Funds Sterile‑Fly Facility to Combat Screwworm
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Douglas Port of Entry in Arizona will reopen to Mexican cattle on August 24, ending a year‑long closure imposed to block the New World screwworm. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement during a visit to the port, and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs had earlier urged the agency to build a dispersal facility.
USDA will spend $25 million on a new facility in Douglas to release sterile flies, the primary tool for suppressing the pest. The agency is also constructing a $750 million production plant in Texas for large‑scale sterile‑fly output. Officials said the border reopening and sterile‑fly program aim to restore cattle supplies that, when halted, helped push U.S. beef prices to record highs. Additional ports in New Mexico are planned for future phased reopening, though some cattle producers fear increased screwworm risk.
At the time of reporting, 42 screwworm cases had been confirmed in Texas, with the pest also detected in New Mexico.
Entities
Brooke Rollins · Douglas Port of Entry, Arizona · Katie Hobbs · Mexico · New World screwworm · Texas sterile‑fly production plant · U.S. Department of Agriculture
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] USDA will spend $25 million on a facility in Arizona to release sterile flies to control New World screwworm. wdez.com · wtvbam.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] USDA will reopen the Douglas Port of Entry in Arizona to Mexican cattle on August 24. www.medicaldaily.com · wdez.com · wtvbam.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] USDA plans to eventually open two additional ports of entry in New Mexico for Mexican cattle imports. wdez.com · wtvbam.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs sent a letter proposing the dispersal facility. wdez.com · wtvbam.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the reopening and funding decisions during a visit to the Douglas Port of Entry. www.medicaldaily.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The closure of Mexican cattle imports contributed to record‑high U.S. beef prices. wdez.com · wtvbam.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There were 42 confirmed New World screwworm cases in Texas at the time of reporting. www.medicaldaily.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] USDA is constructing a $750 million sterile‑fly production plant in Texas. wdez.com · wtvbam.com