The National Milk Producers Federation filed formal support with the Environmental Protection Agency on April 22, endorsing the agency’s scientific evaluation of a USDA application for NovoFly, an engineered sterile male-only New World screwworm designed using established Sterile Insect Technique methods for preventing and controlling screwworm infestations.
“By improving male-only release ratios and reducing production inefficiencies, this technology strengthens the economic sustainability of the U.S.–Mexico barrier program that protects billions of dollars in agricultural value annually,” NMPF stated in its comments. “Investing in a more precise and scalable SIT tool is fiscally responsible and reduces the likelihood of far more costly emergency eradication campaigns in the future.”
The organization developed a simplified comment form for dairy producers, cooperatives, state groups, and other stakeholders to express their support during the public input period, aiming to demonstrate widespread dairy industry backing for effective, environmentally sound methods to safeguard American livestock and farming from New World screwworm threats.
The USDA began construction of its domestic sterile fly manufacturing facility in Edinberg, Texas on April 17, with production expected to commence in late 2025. Early May reports indicated the closest screwworm detection occurred 62 miles from the Texas border in Nuevo Leon. The FDA also issued Emergency Use Authorization in April for F10 Antiseptic Barrier Ointment with Insecticide for cattle treatment, establishing a 10-day milk withdrawal requirement.
Those interested in participating in NMPF advocacy efforts can access the organization’s Take Action webpage or subscribe to advocacy alerts through their website notification system.
