Mexico resumes livestock sales to US under tight controls over screwworm risk
Summary
Mexico will start sending cattle to the United States again after a yearlong ban caused by an outbreak of the New World screwworm parasite. The U.S. will allow limited imports starting August 24, with strict rules to prevent the parasite from spreading further.Key Facts
- The ban on Mexican cattle imports to the U.S. lasted for about one year due to the New World screwworm parasite.
- The parasite causes maggots to burrow into warm-blooded animals’ wounds, affecting livestock and sometimes pets and humans.
- The outbreak was first detected in Mexico in November 2024 and has spread to almost all Mexican states.
- Mexico currently has about 1,969 active screwworm cases, less than half compared to last year, showing some progress.
- U.S. imports of Mexican cattle will resume at the Douglas, Arizona border crossing on August 24, with tight controls.
- If the restart goes well, the USDA may open more border points for cattle shipments.
- The screwworm has already appeared in Texas and New Mexico, and U.S. authorities are fighting these cases.
- The ban hurt cattle and beef industries in both countries and contributed to shortages in the U.S. market.
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