KERRVILLE, TX – USDA’s Agricultural Research Service opened a new livestock insect research laboratory in Kerrville last week, expanding the cattle industry’s defenses against New World screwworm, ticks, biting flies, and other invasive pests.
The 52,000-square-foot Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory includes advanced cattle facilities, laboratory space, and a genomics core. Researchers will develop surveillance tools, insecticides, treatments, and methods to address pesticide resistance.
The timing matters as the USDA continues efforts to keep the New World screwworm from reestablishing in the United States. The pest can injure or kill livestock, disrupt cattle movement, and raise costs for ranchers.
The facility houses two ARS research units focused on livestock arthropod pests and veterinary pest genetics. Kerrville researchers have contributed to pest-control work for about 80 years.
The laboratory honors Edward Knipling and Raymond Bushland, whose sterile insect technique helped eliminate screwworm from the United States decades ago. USDA says the same science remains central to ongoing prevention and eradication work.
Farm-Level Takeaway: New livestock pest research in Texas could strengthen tools protecting cattle health, movement, and ranch profitability.