USDA Launches New World Screwworm Grand Challenge to Protect Livestock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a new initiative aimed at fighting the New World Screwworm (NWS) and preventing its spread into the United States. The program, called the NWS Grand Challenge, will provide up to $100 million in funding for innovative projects to safeguard livestock, animal health and U.S. agriculture.

“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,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “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 towards 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.”

What Farmers Should Know

The funding is focused on practical solutions to prevent NWS infestations in the U.S., including:

• Increasing sterile NWS fly production to reduce pest populations

• Developing new traps and lures to monitor and control NWS

• Exploring treatments or preventatives for affected animals

• Creating tools and strategies to improve preparedness and response

Proposals that address any of these priorities are eligible for funding. Interested parties must submit applications by February 23, 2026. Details, including eligibility and instructions, are available on the NWS Grand Challenge webpage, ezFedGrants and Grants.gov (search USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-26-0001).

Why This Matters for Farmers

The NWS is a parasitic fly that can seriously affect cattle and other livestock. Preventing its northward spread is critical to:

• Maintaining healthy cattle herds

• Avoiding livestock losses and economic damage

• Supporting the U.S. food supply and keeping beef prices stable

USDA’s initiative provides an opportunity for researchers, organizations and agricultural stakeholders to develop new technologies, traps and treatments to control NWS, ultimately protecting U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and ranchers can stay updated by visiting screwworm.gov and signing up for the latest alerts and resources related to NWS prevention.