Government released its billionth fly. Here’s why

ABILENE-SWEETWATER, Texas (CNN) — The U.S. government has released its billionth sterile fly into Texas to fight the New World screwworm.

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The pest lays eggs on warm-blooded animals, leading to dangerous infections.

Decades ago, the screwworm was eradicated by the creation and release of sterile flies to interrupt the pest’s breeding cycle.

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In June, the USDA reported its first U.S. cases in years.

Federal response

While scientists have worried the threat could grow, the Trump administration says it is working to ramp up sterile fly production.

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So far, less than 50 screwworm cases have been recorded in the U.S. this year.