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US tests GMO flies to fight flesh-eating livestock pest
Summary by The Waco Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Tom Polansek and Heather Schlitz Reuters , Waco Tribune-Herald
· July 24, 2026
· 1 min read
The Trump administration touted the development of the genetically modified fly, called NovoFly, as a game-changer in the fight against New World screwworm.
Story provenance No corrections
Summary created by The Waco Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Tom Polansek and Heather Schlitz Reuters, Waco Tribune-Herald Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 24, 2026 Indexed here Jul 24, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Why this matters in The Waco
The introduction of genetically modified flies to combat New World screwworm has significant implications for McLennan County's livestock industry. As a major agricultural producer in the region, Waco-area ranchers have long struggled with the devastating effects of this flesh-eating pest. The economic burden of New World screwworm infestations can be substantial, with infected animals often requiring costly treatments or being culled altogether. If successful, the NovoFly program could provide a much-needed solution to this persistent problem, helping to protect local livestock and safeguard the livelihoods of area farmers and ranchers. As the program moves forward, local agricultural leaders will be watching closely to see how the genetically modified flies perform in real-world settings and what role they might play in the region's pest management strategies.
About this story
Original reporting by Waco Tribune-Herald . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: local ·
Published: July 24, 2026 ·
Source: Waco Tribune-Herald ·
Reading time: 1 min
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Trump administration touted the development of the genetically modified fly, called NovoFly, as a game-changer in the fight against New World screwworm.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by Waco Tribune-Herald and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tom Polansek and Heather Schlitz Reuters at Waco Tribune-Herald. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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