The United States has taken precautionary measures to halt the import of cattle from Mexico due to concerns about the New World screwworm, a parasitic worm that poses a threat to livestock. This decision has prompted a strong response from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who labeled the U.S. action as an overreaction, particularly noting that only one case in Veracruz led to the suspension of imports.
The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly endemic to the Caribbean and parts of South America, had previously been eradicated from the U.S. by 1966. However, fears over its resurgence have reignited concerns in the U.S. cattle and beef industry, valued at approximately $515 billion. The parasitic fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, lays its eggs near open wounds on warm-blooded animals and can cause severe pain and potential mortality if not treated promptly.
This isn’t the first time that imports have been halted; the United States had previously enforced similar restrictions in late November and again in May following evidence of the worm’s northern spread. Just a planned reopening of a port in Arizona was placed on hold, highlighting the continuing vigilance required to manage this pest.
To combat the issue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing a strategy involving the release of lab-raised, sterilized male flies to control the population of screwworms. This technique—allowing sterile males to mate with females, thereby curtailing reproduction—has been employed successfully in the past and reduces reliance on chemical pesticides.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressed confidence in the ongoing control efforts, reporting the dispersal of over 100 million sterile flies weekly and no significant rise in screwworm cases in recent weeks. She also acknowledged the collaboration with her Mexican counterpart, Julio Berdegue, which underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing agricultural challenges.
The emphasis on proactive measures to eliminate the screwworm could bring reassurance to the affected industries and contribute to the stability of cross-border livestock trading. As both nations work together, there is hope that effective strategies can be implemented to manage this threat, ensuring the health of livestock on both sides of the border.