> This is maintained with stringent animal movement controls, surveillance, trapping, and following the proven science to push the NWS barrier south in phases as quickly as possible.

Why add "proven" before science?

Nobody expects the USDA to handle such problems with "unproven science", for whatever it could be.

For decades they've made the sterilized flies by exposing them to gamma radiation that damages their reproductive system and it's been effective.

Am I getting doubtful of every announcement from this administration or are they trying to tackle conspiracy theories from the start?

> Why add "proven" before science?

I'm pretty sure it's a political thing, and is meant to be read as "don't worry, we aren't using any problematic science like mRNA vaccines".