Number of the Day: 1,641,985,725 We celebrate the release of over 1.64 Billion sterile flies, a testament to the USDA’s commitment to defeat New World screwworm. Sterile fly releases, combined with surveillance, reporting, and outreach are essential to ensuring the pest cannot rebuild its population and spread unchecked. Together, these efforts help protect livestock, pets, wildlife, and our agricultural resources. #flymaxxing

🚨 USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm in U.S. Wildlife. New World screwworm has been confirmed in an elk on a Pecos County, TX game ranch. USDA has prepared for NWS cases in wildlife and is working with TX partners to increase wildlife surveillance in the area. The case was reported after the elk was harvested by a hunter, underscoring how vital hunters, landowners, and outdoor enthusiasts are in spotting and reporting NWS early. As hunting seasons continue, stay alert for: • Maggots in wounds or body openings • Open or foul-smelling injuries • Weak, isolated, or distressed animals • Signs of infestation around the nose, mouth, ears, eyes, or genital areas If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. Quick action helps protect wildlife, livestock, and pets. USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm in U.S. Wildlife 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-a… | Visit USDA’s Wildlife Toolkit for information for hunters, wildlife-specific NWS treatments, and wildlife health preparedness and response information. 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/animals/anima… | Screwworm.gov

Since June 3, USDA has received 1,000 suspect New World screwworm case submissions nationwide, including 531 from TX.  USDA has confirmed just 56. Only 5 are still active.    What’s driving progress: 
• Quick reporting from people on the ground 
• Strong, coordinated USDA/state/industry response 
• Consistent tracking of suspect cases  #StopScrewworm

Today, @SecRollins met with ranchers and state leaders at the Columbus Port of Entry to discuss the New World screwworm response and safeguards for safely resuming livestock trade.      @USDA @USDA_APHIS @CBP

NEW: @SecRollins announced the next steps in @USDA’s phased reopening of southern livestock ports:      🐂 COLUMBUS, NM: Planned reopening to cattle on October 26. Every animal must undergo multiple inspections before entering the U.S.      🐎 SANTA TERESA, NM: Horse imports are planned to resume on October 26. Import quarantine must take place at the USDA-approved facility on the U.S. side. Mexican-side import quarantine facilities remain closed.    🐂 NOGALES, AZ: Planned reopening to cattle imports on November 30, if conditions continue to support safe trade and required inspection arrangements and infrastructure are in place.      Protecting American livestock remains the priority.

@USDA_APHIS Wildlife Services is on the front lines of the New World screwworm response, monitoring key areas along the southern border. Their work strengthens surveillance and ensures every suspicious sighting gets a rapid follow‑up to protect livestock and wildlife health.  • 27,504 wildlife physically examined  • 130 species checked in 206 counties   • 0 confirmed cases in wildlife

✨New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Update✨  👏 The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is working on strengthening preparedness and response capacity for New World screwworm.  Learn more about the Grand Challenge ➡️Innovation and Research To Stop Screwworm 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/animals/anima… | Screwworm.gov #StopScrewworm

Since June 4, USDA Wildlife Services has completed more than 20,754 ground observations of animals across Texas—boosting our ability to spot New World screwworm in wildlife before it spreads. Paired with drone flights and trail‑camsurveillance, this work strengthens our front‑linedefense. Proud to team up with state partners to protect our livestock and wildlife. Explore more 👉 Screwworm.gov

KEEPING WATCH ON NWS 🪰  The U.S. response to New World screwworm continues. USDA, partners, and communities are combining vigilance, science, and rapid action to protect livestock and wildlife. Here’s the latest:  • 55 total cases  • 4 active cases  • 51 inactive cases  • 0 wildlife cases 🦌❌  • 1 fertile NWS fly detected in a trap  Learn more at Screwworm.gov. #StopScrewworm #USDAOnTheGround

🪰 USDA's New World screwworm sterile fly release efforts are at the forefront of our defense against New World screwworm.  And with 42.8 million sterile flies released through ground release chambers in targeted areas along the U.S. southern border, we’re supplementing our aerial dispersal efforts with pinpoint accuracy.  These efforts are crucial for protecting animals in high-risk areas. The pressure is on, screwworms! 🔥#Flymaxxing

More than 1.5 BILLION sterile New World screwworm flies have now been released across the U.S. southern border! By flooding the area with sterile flies, USDA teams are outpacing wild screwworm populations and breaking the screwworm lifecycle. #ProtectingAgriculture #Flymaxxing

✨New World Screwworm Grand Challenge Update✨  👏 Texas A&M AgriLife Research is working on Early Wound Detection Using AI-Enabled, Multimodal New World Screwworm Surveillance on Beef and Dairy Operations.  @txresearch  Learn more about the Grand Challenge ➡️ Innovation and Research To Stop Screwworm 🔗 aphis.usda.gov/animals/anima… | Screwworm.gov #StopScrewworm

@USDA_APHIS drone surveillance continues to give our teams fast, wide‑area visibility—helping them zero in on animals that may show signs of New World screwworm.  Since June 4:  • 2,185 drone flights across Texas  • 37,629 animals observed by drone  See a wild animal with an unusual wound? Report it immediately to local wildlife authorities or APHIS Wildlife Services (866-4USDA‑WS). #StopScrewworm

🪰 Fighting New World screwworm takes more than sterile flies. It takes precision. 🪰  Using constantly evolving data models, USDA teams fine-tune sterile fly release areas to target the right places at the right densities. This strategy maximizes impact, preventing New World screwworm from gaining ground and reinforcing the barrier that protects the U.S.  Learn more 👉 aphis.usda.gov/sites/default…

Total # of wildlife observations: 143,993 🐻 🦌 
Animals of interest flagged: 37  We've examined over 143,993 animals in Texas for signs of New World screwworm through our robust surveillance using drones, trail cameras, and ground observations. Teams flagged 37 animals for further review due to suspicious wounds or behavior, but 0 wild animals have been confirmed with NWS. We are on a mission to eradicate NWS and protect our animals! #ProtectingAgriculture