Usda Greenlights Phased Reopening for Mexican livestock Imports Amid Screwworm Concerns
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Washington D.C. – In a significant advancement for agricultural trade, the United States Department Of Agriculture (Usda) has announced a phased resumption of live animal imports from Mexico, set to commence on July 7, 2025. This decision prioritizes biosecurity while addressing economic considerations for both nations.
The Usda’s declaration follows extensive joint risk assessments, scientific evaluations, and strengthened collaborative efforts between the Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (Aphis) and Mexico’s National Department Of Health, Food Safety And Food Quality (Senasica).
Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that measure reflects significant advancements in surveillance, eradication, and biosecurity protocols within Mexico, reversing the import suspension initiated on May 11 due to the New world Screwworm (Nws). The Nws is a dangerous parasite that poses a severe threat to livestock and wildlife.
Understanding the New World Screwworm Threat
The New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia Hominivorax) is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest warm-blooded animals, causing severe tissue damage, infection, and potential death if left untreated. It represents a significant animal health challenge.
Multiple detections of Nws infestations in northern Mexico earlier in 2025 prompted the Usda to halt live cattle, bison, and equine imports as a precautionary measure to safeguard the United States livestock industry, signaling a critical need for stringent biosecurity.
Us and Mexico Jointly Combat Nws
The United States and Mexico have undertaken coordinated actions to effectively control the Nws threat and minimize the risk of it spreading across borders.
Key Collaborative Initiatives
- Enhanced Surveillance and Eradication: Aphis and Senasica boosted pest monitoring and diagnostic capabilities for faster detection and tracing of Nws outbreaks.
- Sterile Insect Technique (Sit): the Usda, in collaboration with Mexican authorities, has stabilized the daily aerial dispersal of over 100 million sterile Nws flies across affected regions. This eco-friendly method disrupts the pest’s reproductive cycle.
Stringent Import Protocols to Minimize Biosecurity Risks
The Usda has outlined specific criteria for livestock eligibility to minimize the risk of nws introduction into the U.S.
Cattle and Bison
- Must be born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua; or
- must be treated according to Nws eradication protocols before entering those states.
- Entry through Del Rio and Colombia Bridge is contingent upon Coahuila and Nuevo León adopting similar strict protocols.
- Enhanced animal traceability and health certifications are mandatory at all checkpoints.
Equines (Horses)
- May originate from any state in Mexico, but:
- Must undergo a 7-day quarantine at the U.S. port of entry.
- Must adhere to the Equine Nws Protocol, including inspection and treatment guidelines per Aphis.
- Equine-specific quarantine facilities are available at the Santa Teresa port.
These protocols aim to prevent Nws entry via untreated animals, given the pest’s rapid reproductive cycle and its potential devastating impact on native livestock.
Mexico’s Infrastructure Upgrades Support long-Term Nws eradication
Mexico has initiated renovations of its sterile insect production facility in Metapa, a cornerstone of the Nws eradication strategy. The renovation is slated for completion by July 2026 and marks a pivotal step in regional pest management.
Facility Renovation Highlights
- the upgraded facility will produce 60 to 100 million sterile Nws flies weekly.
- The long-term goal is to reach 400-500 million sterile flies per week to establish a pest barrier at the Darien Gap, a strategic location between Central and South America.
This expansion complements the Usda’s strategy to prevent Nws reintroduction from Mexico and other Latin American regions.
The Usda is also developing a new fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in South Texas,enhancing U.S. preparedness and emergency response capabilities.
Commitment to Cross-Border Education and Producer Awareness
The Usda and Senasica are committed to educating ranchers, producers, and veterinarians to recognize early signs of screwworm infestation through widespread outreach.
Ongoing Measures
- Public awareness campaigns along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Workshops and training modules on pest identification and emergency protocols.
- Bi-national task forces focused on coordinated action in high-risk regions.
Community engagement is crucial to preventing illegal animal movement, wich could undermine containment efforts.
Industry Support: National cattlemen’s Association Backs the Plan
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (Ncba) has voiced strong support for the Usda’s science-based approach.
Ncba Ceo Colin Woodall stated:
“We’ve worked closely with Usda to protect the cattle industry. This phased reopening and investments in sterile fly production demonstrate the leadership needed to balance trade with disease prevention.”
The Ncba also lauded the Usda’s long-term pest management blueprint, including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced border inspection procedures.
The Road Ahead: Sustained Vigilance
While the reopening begins on July 7, the Usda emphasizes that continuous surveillance, rigorous inspections, and joint policy enforcement will extend into 2026.
Further port openings beyond Laredo will hinge on:
- Mexico’s ability to maintain low Nws case counts.
- Continuous updates to movement control protocols.
- Ongoing collaboration with Aphis on containment.
Secretary Rollins affirmed, “We will not rest until we are confident that the New World screwworm will not cross our border and harm American ranchers.”
The Economic Impact of Livestock Trade Between the U.S. and Mexico
The livestock trade between the United States and Mexico is a significant component of the broader economic relationship between the two countries. Disruptions, such as the Nws outbreak, have substantial economic consequences affecting producers, consumers, and related industries.
According to recent data, the annual value of livestock trade between the U.S. and Mexico is approximately $2 billion. This includes cattle, horses, and other animals, as well as related products such as meat and dairy. Any interruption in this trade can lead to:
- Price volatility in meat markets.
- reduced income for ranchers and producers.
- Supply chain disruptions affecting food processors and retailers.
Moreover, implementing and maintaining biosecurity measures requires ongoing investment in infrastructure, technology, and personnel. However, these investments are crucial for preventing more extensive economic losses associated with disease outbreaks.
Comparative analysis of Biosecurity Measures
Different countries employ varied biosecurity measures to protect their livestock industries. A comparison of these approaches highlights best practices and areas for improvement.
| Country | Key Biosecurity Measures | Effectiveness | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Strict import protocols, surveillance programs, sterile insect technique. | High, but vulnerable to outbreaks. | Enforcement along borders,resource allocation. |
| Australia | Stringent quarantine laws, biosecurity zones, early detection systems. | Very high due to island geography. | Maintaining vigilance, preventing illegal imports. |
| Canada | Border controls, animal health surveillance, traceability systems. | Good, with strong regulatory framework. | Coordination between provinces, climate-related challenges. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Usda’s Livestock Import Policy
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Question: What is the New World Screwworm, and why is it a threat?
Answer: The New World Screwworm (Nws) is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest warm-blooded animals, causing severe tissue damage and potential death. It poses a significant threat to livestock and wildlife. -
Question: Why were livestock imports from Mexico initially suspended?
Answer: Imports were suspended due to increased Nws detections in northern Mexico, raising concerns about potential infestations in U.S. livestock. -
Question: What measures have been implemented to prevent Nws spread?
Answer: Enhanced surveillance,diagnostic capabilities,and the daily aerial dispersal of over 100 million sterile Nws flies across affected regions have been implemented. -
Question: What specific requirements must cattle and bison meet for import?
Answer: Cattle and bison must be born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua or be treated according to Nws eradication protocols before entering those states. Enhanced traceability and health certifications are also required. -
Question: Are there quarantine requirements for horses imported from Mexico?
Answer: Yes, horses must undergo a mandatory 7-day quarantine at the U.S. port of entry and follow the Equine Nws Protocol, including inspection and treatment requirements. -
Question: What is Mexico doing to support long-term Nws eradication?
Answer: Mexico is renovating its sterile insect production facility in Metapa, aiming to produce 60 to 100 million sterile Nws flies weekly post-upgrade, with a long-term goal of 400-500 million. -
Question: How is the Usda ensuring producer awareness about Nws?
Answer: The Usda and Senasica are engaged in widespread educational outreach, including public awareness campaigns, workshops, and bi-national task forces, to train ranchers and veterinarians in recognizing early signs of screwworm infestation.
What biosecurity measures do you think are most critical for preventing livestock disease outbreaks? how can ranchers and consumers stay informed about these issues?
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
