Texas A&M AgriLife Secures Major USDA Funding for New World Screwworm Research

Texas A&M AgriLife has secured significant federal funding to combat the New World screwworm threat spreading through Texas, with university researchers selected to lead seven proposals and contribute to seven additional projects as part of a $105 million USDA research initiative.

The funding, announced June 17 through the USDA's NWS Grand Challenge, positions Texas A&M at the forefront of national efforts to contain and ultimately eradicate the parasitic pest that has now reached 20 confirmed cases across the state. The university's involvement spans multiple colleges including Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

"These projects reflect the strength of our Texas A&M AgriLife teams and their commitment to protecting animal health and supporting Texans," said Dr. Jeffrey W. Savell, vice chancellor and dean for agriculture and life sciences.

The NWS Grand Challenge, launched in January 2026, solicited high-impact research proposals from federal and non-federal entities to prevent screwworm spread through enhanced detection, control, and eradication readiness. From 226 submitted proposals, USDA selected 40 projects based on innovative approaches, scientific rigor, and potential impact on screwworm prevention and response.

Texas A&M's research portfolio addresses all four core priorities established by the Grand Challenge:

Sterile Fly Production Enhancement — Improving efficiency and capacity of sterile insect technique programs that remain the primary defense against screwworm expansion.

Novel Detection Tools — Developing advanced traps and lures to modernize early warning systems and detect infestations before they spread.

Therapeutics Development — Advancing treatments to reduce animal health impacts and strengthen veterinary response capabilities.

Preparedness Innovation — Creating repellents, ecological models, wildlife surveillance systems, and other tools to bolster overall readiness.

Among the funded projects, Dr. Keyan Zhu-Salzman, AgriLife Research entomologist and professor, will investigate maximizing sterile insect technique efficacy through optimized electron beam irradiation conditions—a critical component of producing effective sterile flies for release programs.

Separately from the Grand Challenge awards, Texas A&M AgriLife Research continues a distinct USDA-funded initiative assessing electron beam (eBeam) technology as a non-radioactive alternative to cobalt-60 gamma irradiation for sterilizing screwworm pupae. This research could revolutionize sterile insect technique programs by eliminating dependency on radioactive materials while maintaining or improving sterilization effectiveness.

"By uniting innovation with purpose, we're building the tools that protect livestock, safeguard our food systems and strengthen the resilience of every community that depends on them," said G. Cliff Lamb, director of AgriLife Research. "This work reflects our commitment to science that serves, providing solutions that defend animal health today while preparing Texas and the nation for the challenges ahead."

The funding announcement coincides with intensified on-the-ground response efforts across Texas. At a July 1 gathering in Hallettsville attended by over 1,200 cattle producers, USDA officials revealed that the new sterile fly production facility under construction at Moore Air Field in Edinburg will now become operational by April 2027—five months ahead of its original September 2027 target.

General Michael Schmoyer, director of operations for USDA's New World Screwworm Directorate, also discussed the Nova Fly Project, which produces male-only sterile flies rather than mixed-sex releases. Because female screwworm flies mate only once during their lifespan, releasing sterile males effectively interrupts reproduction. The male-only approach essentially doubles program effectiveness by eliminating competition between sterile females and wild females for mating opportunities.

The 20 confirmed Texas cases span Crockett, Edwards, Gillespie, La Salle, Medina, Terrell, Tom Green, and Zavala counties, with most involving young or newborn calves. The first case was confirmed June 3 in Zavala County, and subsequent detections have prompted expanded quarantine zones and increased surveillance.

Texas A&M's research leadership extends beyond laboratory work. The university's AgriLife Extension Service has conducted over 300 educational events reaching more than 23,000 Texans with screwworm identification, prevention, and response information. This combination of research innovation and grassroots education exemplifies the comprehensive approach necessary to address an agricultural threat of this magnitude.

The USDA funding ensures Texas A&M will continue playing a central role in what agricultural officials describe as the most significant livestock pest threat facing the state in decades. With Texas cattle producers managing herds valued in the billions of dollars, effective screwworm containment carries enormous economic implications for the state's agricultural sector.