Overview

• Mexico and the United States have kicked off a $51 million collaboration to convert a Metapa de Domínguez facility into the nation’s primary sterile-fly production center.
• The Chiapas plant is being upgraded under BSL-2 biosafety protocols to ensure no fertile flies escape before irradiation renders them sterile.
• Once operational in the first half of 2026, the facility will generate more than 100 million sterile flies per week to curb cattle screwworm infestations.
• On July 7, the USDA reopened Douglas, Arizona for phased imports of Mexican cattle, bison and equines, with additional ports to follow pending safety reviews.
• Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué Sacristán urged producers to report any outbreaks and announced free veterinary assistance without animal culling or mandatory quarantines.