Mexico speeds up sterile fly plant to fight cattle worm

President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her government is working to accelerate the construction of a plant producing infertile flies aimed at controlling and eradicating the Cattle Screwworm. This is one of the requirements set by the United States government to resume the importation of Mexican livestock into its country.

During a morning press conference, the federal Executive explained that on Monday, December 8, she met with the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader), Julio Berdegué, to discuss ways to accelerate the construction of this Mediterranean Fly Breeding and Sterilization Plant, located in Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas. The plant is being retrofitted with a joint investment from both countries totaling 51 million dollars.

“Having this, then there is much greater control of the plague than what is done now, visiting each of the states and places where there are animals that could be infected,” said President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The adaptation of this infertile fly production plant began in July of this 2025, after the United States government imposed a commercial blockade on exports of Mexican livestock heads due to the presence of this larva that consumes the wounds of animals such as cows, pigs, dogs, and even humans.

Sheinbaum said the project is currently scheduled for completion in June 2026, but her government could deliver it sooner by accelerating the construction work that Sader is analyzing.

Additionally, the president said that work is underway on a program with Sonora, Coahuila, and Durango to produce the meat directly in Mexico and export it as a product instead of sending livestock heads to that country.