The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspends cattle imports from Mexico following the discovery of the New World screwworm, a parasitic insect that poses a significant threat to livestock and agriculture. The suspension comes after Mexico’s chief veterinary officer reported finding the screwworm in a cow at an inspection checkpoint, triggering swift action to contain its spread and protect American agriculture.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirms the pause in cattle imports as part of a broader strategy to safeguard the U.S. livestock industry. The New World screwworm, known for its destructive ability to infest wounds of warm-blooded animals, could devastate cattle populations and disrupt agricultural systems if it establishes itself in the U.S. This marks the first known instance of the screwworm appearing in livestock imported from Mexico in recent years.
Officials from both countries are collaborating to address the situation. APHIS is deploying containment measures and assisting Mexican authorities in strengthening the barrier zone in Central America, a key line of defense against the northward spread of the pest. The USDA emphasizes that its priority is protecting the health of American agriculture and ensuring the long-term safety of the food supply chain.
The discovery has raised concerns among ranchers and farmers in the U.S., particularly in border states like Texas, which are heavily reliant on cattle imports from Mexico. The suspension is expected to disrupt supply chains temporarily, but industry experts support the move, acknowledging the critical importance of preventing a widespread outbreak.
Mexican officials are intensifying surveillance and inspection protocols at border checkpoints to ensure infected cattle are identified before crossing into the U.S. They are also working with American counterparts to explore strategies for eradicating the screwworm population, including sterilization programs and the use of pesticides.
The New World screwworm, eradicated in the U.S. in the 1960s through a groundbreaking sterile insect technique, remains a persistent challenge in parts of Central and South America. Its resurgence in imported cattle highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the livestock industry to invasive pests and the necessity for vigilance in trade and agriculture.
As containment and eradication efforts unfold, both nations are focused on minimizing the economic impact of the suspension while preventing further spread of the screwworm. Stakeholders across the agricultural sector are urging governments to expedite solutions to resume cattle trade safely, underscoring the interconnected nature of global food and livestock markets.
