The USDA is hoping the release of sterile New World screwworm flies will slow the spread of the parasite in Texas.
The agency released the sterile flies Thursday at a ranch in La Pryor, which is near Uvalde. The location is near where the first case of New World screwworm was detected earlier this month.
The USDA is continuing work on a sterile screwworm fly production facility in Edinburg, though officials say it won’t be ready for use until late next year.