Mexico's agriculture ministry said in a statement that the plant, a joint project with the U.S., will produce 100 million sterile screwworm flies per week once completed in the first half of 2026. The release of sterile flies, which reduce the reproducing population of the wild flies, is a key tool in controlling the pest. The United States, Mexico's biggest trading partner, is paying $21 million of the cost and Mexico is spending $30 million, the statement said. On June 30, The US Department of Agriculture announced the gradual reopening of imports of cattle, bison and horses from Mexico. The US also announced plans to open a sterile fly dispersal facility in Hidalgo County, Texas, as part of the country's fight against screwworm.