In a decision designed to protect America’s livestock and food supply from a destructive pest, the U.S. authorities have halted live animal imports from Mexico.
See the tweet below!
The New World screwworm has resurfaced, spreading alarms across the agriculture sector.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico.
This decision arose from growing concerns over the northern spread of the New World screwworm, a pest posing severe threats to livestock.
With sightings reported as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border, the USDA’s action reflects urgency.
Concerns regarding this flesh-eating maggot led to this swift response from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The halting of imports is a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding the livestock industry and the nation’s food supply, devoid of any political motivations.
The USDA will review restrictions monthly until effective containment strategies prove successful.
Echoing these concerns, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association expressed support for the USDA’s decision, despite acknowledging potential economic implications.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall criticized Mexico’s bureaucratic obstacles, accusing them of hindering efforts to control the screwworm’s spread.
Such delays have reportedly prevented timely prevention measures.
Grassroots support for farmers and the broader agriculture community align with the USDA’s aim to halt the screwworm’s northward migration.
However, Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegue expressed disagreement with the measures, holding optimism for a quick resolution within the 15-day suspension period he mentioned.
Past efforts have struggled to keep this pest at bay. Nearly eradicated in the U.S. by 1966, the New World screwworm has resurged in Central America and Mexico since 2023.
Previous restrictions on Mexican cattle were lifted in February 2025 after implementing new evaluation protocols, only to face similar threats anew.
The New World screwworm doesn’t limit its destruction to agriculture. It causes fatal wounds in livestock, wildlife, pets, and occasionally humans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns travelers with open wounds of a higher infestation risk, especially in South American and Caribbean regions.
The USDA highlights the necessity for robust action to stem the screwworm before it jeopardizes more American lands and livestock.
This is not the time for complacency, but rather decisive actions to ensure that the New World screwworm threat does not escalate into a nationwide crisis.
As the U.S. and Mexico navigate this crisis, eyes are on effective leadership to protect American agriculture, uphold our food security, and maintain our nation’s integrity against external threats.
🚨 The U.S. and Mexico continue efforts to interdict and eradicate New World Screwworm in Mexico and work in good faith. However, there has been unacceptable northward advancement of this deadly parasitic fly. Effective immediately @USDA_APHIS and @CBP will restrict imports of… pic.twitter.com/p6ErDgj9vO
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) May 11, 2025
