MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Advocates to Combat New World Screwworm in Hidalgo County

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins advocating for the USDA to establish anew sterile fly facility at the Moore Air Base in Hidalgo County, Texas. The facility is critical to protecting Texas livestock and wildlife from New World Screwworm.

In the 1960s, Moore Air Base housed a sterile fly facility that helped successfully eradicate the New World Screwworm. Given Hidalgo County’s proximity to the border and the existing infrastructure, it is strategic and beneficial to select this location for a potential new sterile fly facility.

Read the full letter here or below.

“Dear Secretary Rollins,

I write to you today regarding the potential establishment of a new sterile fly facility within the United States, a matter of critical importance to the protection of our livestock and wildlife. As you know, the threat of invasive fly species, such as the New World screwworm, poses a significant risk to the health and economic well-being of our agricultural sector and the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Given the strategic importance of this facility, I strongly advocate for its location within Texas’ 15th Congressional District, specifically at Moore Air Base. This base was previously the site of a facility to help combat screwworm in the 1960’s. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture currently operates a fruit fly rearing and eclosion facility in this area and the addition of a new sterile fly facility would logistically make sense due to the existing USDA infrastructure in place and the operational runway at Moore Air Base. This region also presents a compelling case for consideration, primarily due to its proximity to the United States-Mexico border.

The Moore Air Base location offers several key advantages:

• Border Proximity: The proximity to the border with Mexico is crucial for effective monitoring and control of potential incursions of invasive fly species. A facility in this region would allow for rapid response and containment, minimizing the spread of infestations into the United States.
• Existing Agricultural Infrastructure: The region boasts a robust agricultural sector with established infrastructure and expertise in livestock management. This existing framework would facilitate efficient integration of the sterile fly facility and streamline its operations. Additionally, Moore Air Base has operations runways equipped to distribute sterile flies.
• Strategic Location: Moore Air Base offers a central location for distribution of sterile flies to other areas in the southern United States, if such a need arises. Additionally, this base was the site of a facility used in the 1960’s to successfully combat screwworm.
• Economic Impact: The establishment of such a facility would provide valuable economic opportunities for the region by generating jobs and stimulating local economies.

I understand the Department of Agriculture’s commitment to safeguarding our agricultural resources and natural habitats. I believe that locating this vital facility in Texas’ 15th Congressional District would be a prudent and strategic decision, enhancing our ability to protect our livestock and wildlife from the devastating impact of invasive fly species.

I respectfully request that you give this matter your full consideration and explore the feasibility of establishing the sterile fly facility within Texas’ 15th Congressional District at Moore Air Base. I am prepared to provide any additional information or support that may be required during your evaluation process.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,

Monica De La Cruz”