Federal authorities announce plans to use drones to fight against the New World screwworm

EDINBURG, Texas (NBC, KYMA) - Federal authorities Monday announced plans to use drones to help fight against the New World screwworm.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joined Homeland Security officials in Edinburg, Texas to discuss how the drones will be used keep infected animals from crossing the U.S. Mexico border, including by detecting higher temperatures in the animals.

They also saw a live demonstration of the technology.

Secretary Rollins gave an update on a planned sterile fly production facility in Edinburg, saying it will open ahead of schedule in April of next year.