The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) is adjusting its New World Screwworm (NWS) sterile fly dispersal strategy to push the devastating pest back toward the previously established biological barrier in Panama. USDA-APHIS is shifting its dispersal efforts to Mexico—the northernmost point of the outbreak—using the scientifically proven eradication model.

USDA-APHIS identified two locations for sterile fly dispersal centers in Mexico. As USDA-APHIS transitions to these sites, they will continue operations using dispersal centers outside of Mexico to ensure program continuity. Adjusting dispersal locations ensures the greatest number of sterile flies are released in the critical areas. While sterile fly dispersal will shift north, USDA-APHIS remains committed to working closely with Nicaragua, Honduras and regional partners to support on-the-ground outbreak response activities, including surveillance, animal health outreach and early detection efforts.