STOP Screwworms Act

This bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build one or more facilities to raise sterile New World screwworm flies and release them to stop infestations that threaten livestock and wildlife. The sites must be in parts of states that are at risk based on recent detections and that are good locations for releasing the flies to protect other at‑risk areas.

Construction must begin within 180 days after the bill becomes law. USDA must also publish a yearly report that explains the current threat, what actions are being taken (including building and running the facilities), and how well those actions are working. The bill allows up to $300 million to be used for this effort, available until it’s spent.

Key points

• Who is affected: Farmers, ranchers, and communities in areas at risk of New World screwworm fly infestations; USDA animal health programs.
• What changes: USDA will build modular rearing facilities, raise sterile flies, and release them to control the pest; USDA must issue annual public reports on progress and effectiveness.
• When: Construction must start within 180 days of enactment; reports are due one year after enactment and every year after that; funding of up to $300 million is authorized until used.