Mexico has increased emergency measures after a new case of New World screwworm was detected in cattle in Nuevo Leon, near the United States border. The infected animal, found in Sabinas Hidalgo, originated from Veracruz, according to Mexico’s National Health for Food Safety and Food Quality Service. This is the closest confirmed case to the U.S. border since an outbreak began last year.
Previously, a screwworm case reported on July 9 in Veracruz led Washington to suspend imports of live Mexican cattle. The parasite, which is the larva of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly, can affect warm-blooded animals and humans. Over 500 active cases have been reported among cattle in southern Mexico.
The ban on cattle imports has created economic challenges for Mexico as it also deals with tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year. If the import suspension continues through the end of the year, Mexico’s ranching federation estimates losses could reach $400 million.
Mexican Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué stated on X: “Mexico is ‘controlling the isolated case of screwworm in Nuevo Leon,’ under measures to fight the pest agreed with the U.S. in August.”
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said: “Washington will take ‘decisive measures to protect our borders, even in the absence of cooperation’ and said imports on Mexican cattle, bison and horses will remain suspended.”
