USDA awards $105 million to New World screwworm research

USDA APHIS has awarded $105 million in research funding to develop new technology and strategies

By RJ Simon

Published on June 18, 2026

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USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) awarded $105 million to 40 projects geared to advance technology and strategies to fight against New World screwworm (NWS).

The following project-types were identified as priorities in APHIS’ NWS Grand Challenge:

Enhance sterile NWS fly production
Develop novel NWS traps and lures
Develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments (i.e. products that could treat, prevent or control NWS) for animals
Develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS

USDA reviewed 226 applications, requesting about $664 million in total funding. Projects were selected based on their innovative approaches, scientific gold standards, and their potential to make a significant impact on the prevention and response to NWS.

Continuing research

In June, APHIS identified 12 cases of NWS, sparking urgency for research into treatment, prevention and trapping. As the outbreak develops, the USDA is leveraging Agricultural Research Services located both in Texas at the Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and at the COPEG facility in Panama.