NNSA and Texas A&M University have teamed up to combat the New World Screwworm and protect America’s farms and ranches. The partnership advances eBeam technology and radiological security while safeguarding agribusiness nationwide.

Partnership replaces radioactive sterilization with clean electron beam innovation, protecting livestock and U.S. agriculture

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Texas A&M AgriLife are partnering on a breakthrough effort to protect U.S. agriculture from the New World screwworm (NWS) — a destructive parasite that threatens livestock, wildlife, pets, and even humans.

The collaboration focuses on replacing traditional cobalt-60 sterilization with electron beam (eBeam) technology — a faster, safer, and more secure approach to supporting the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), a proven method for halting NWS reproduction.

The renewed threat comes as the USDA confirmed NWS was detected less than 75 miles from the U.S.–Mexico border — one of the busiest livestock and trade corridors in North America.

Under the new partnership, NNSA’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS) and Texas A&M’s National Center for Electron Beam Research (NCEBR) are advancing eBeam systems that eliminate the need for radioactive materials while dramatically increasing efficiency. Once operational, the new system could produce over 100 million sterile flies per day, compared to a week using cobalt-60 methods — a potential game-changer for containment and eradication efforts.

Beyond agriculture, the project also strengthens radiological security nationwide by promoting non-radioactive alternatives that reduce the risk of misuse.

“Our mission-driven partnership with Texas A&M is essential to advancing American innovation in eBeam applications and enhancing our national security,” said Kristin Hirsch, Director of ORS. “With Texas A&M AgriLife’s expertise, we’re building stronger food systems and safer communities across the country.”

Texas A&M researchers have been modeling eBeam sterilization since 2023, identifying it as a viable replacement for cobalt-60 in pest control and other biosecurity applications. The technology was initially developed for chemical remediation but is now being adapted to meet urgent agricultural needs, with deployment expected by early 2026.

“This collaboration enables Texas A&M AgriLife to contribute innovative agricultural research that strengthens our nation’s food security,” said Suresh Pillai, Director of NCEBR.

By combining agricultural science, radiological innovation, and national security strategy, the initiative exemplifies how cross-sector collaboration can protect both farms and frontiers — securing food systems while advancing American technology leadership.