In a move to safeguard U.S. livestock and ranching operations from the screwworm threat, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Jan. 21, 2026, announced the launch of the New World Screwworm Grand Challenge, a major funding initiative designed to accelerate innovative tools, technologies and strategies to combat the northward spread of New World screwworm (NWS).
The grand challenge is part of the USDA’s broader strategy to help shield American agriculture from this destructive parasite, which was eradicated from the U.S. decades ago but has been moving steadily north through Mexico this past year.
“This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security,” says Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, in a USDA news release. “These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our food supply and our economy, protecting the way of life of our ranchers and go toward rebuilding our cattle herd to lower consumer prices on grocery store shelves. We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods to defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success. Together, through science, innovation and collaboration, we can ensure we’re utilizing the latest tools and technology to combat NWS in Mexico and Central America and keep it out of the United States.”
New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the flesh of warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep and other livestock. Infestations can rapidly become fatal if not treated, leading to profound animal welfare concerns and potentially severe economic losses for ranchers. While the pest has not yet established itself in the U.S., recent detections near the U.S.-Mexico border have galvanized federal and industry responses.
Rollins emphasized the urgency behind the effort, describing the grand challenge as a “pivotal step” in staying ahead of the pest’s spread and protecting America’s food supply. The program emphasizes the USDA’s goal of mitigating the screwworm risk before it reaches U.S. herds.
Through the grand challenge, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making up to $100 million in funding available to eligible researchers, companies and agricultural stakeholders nationwide. Priority areas for this funding include:
- 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
Most awards under the program are expected to be under $5 million, although larger proposals that align with the USDA goals may be considered. Applications will be accepted through late February 2026 through the official funding opportunity announcement available on the APHIS website.
More information can be found on the USDA website.
