How much did the sterile fly factory cost to build?

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The sterile fly factory cost US$61 million to build.

Mexico and the United States have jointly inaugurated a new factory designed to combat the New World screwworm (NWS) fly, a livestock pest. The facility, built in less than a year in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas, represents a significant investment in controlling the spread of this parasite. Both nations contributed to the construction of this plant, which is a key part of a binational effort to manage the pest.
Binational Investment in Pest Control

The construction of the sterile fly factory was a collaborative effort between Mexico and the United States. The total cost for building the facility amounted to US$61 million. This investment underscores the shared concern and commitment from both countries to address the threat posed by the New World screwworm fly to their livestock industries.
Production Capacity and Method

Upon reaching full operational capacity, the plant is engineered to produce 10 million sterile flies each week. This method involves releasing these sterile males to mate with wild females, thereby interrupting the reproductive cycle of the pest. A similar facility is already in operation in Panama, indicating a regional strategy for tackling the NWS fly.
Context of the Outbreak

The New World screwworm fly lays its eggs in open wounds or mucous membranes of warm-blooded animals. The hatching larvae then feed on the host's flesh, which can prove fatal if left untreated. Mexico detected its first case of the fly in 2024 in Chiapas, highlighting the re-emergence of the pest. The United States, which eradicated the parasite in 1966, experienced an outbreak in Florida in 2016 that primarily affected deer. A case was also detected in Texas in early June, prompting concerns about its spread.
Trade Implications and Eradication Efforts

The presence of the New World screwworm fly has had economic consequences, as demonstrated by the United States banning livestock trade with Mexico last summer due to cattle testing positive for the pest. The sterile fly technique has a proven track record, as the United States largely utilized this method to eradicate the pest decades ago. The inauguration of this new factory signifies a renewed and intensified effort to prevent further outbreaks and protect agricultural economies.

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How much did the sterile fly factory cost to build?

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