U.S. Suspends Cattle Imports from Mexico Amid Screwworm Concerns
The U.S. halts live cattle imports from Mexico for 15 days to address the northward spread of the dangerous screwworm parasite, raising food safety concerns.
US suspends Mexican live cattle exports over screwworm pest
Associated Press
Overview
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has suspended imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico for 15 days in response to the increasing spread of the New World screwworm, a parasite that poses severe health risks to animals and humans. The decision, made by Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to protect animal health and food supply safety amid reports of the screwworm's advance into southern Mexico. Mexico's Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué expressed disagreement with the suspension but remains hopeful for a resolution. Increased surveillance and containment strategies are underway as both nations work toward eradicating the pest.
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Analysis
- The United States has suspended imports of live cattle from Mexico for a minimum of 15 days due to the spread of New World Screwworm, which poses a serious threat to livestock health.
- While Mexico's Agriculture Secretary expressed disagreement with the U.S. decision, he remains hopeful for reaching an agreement on a joint strategy to combat the parasite.
- U.S. officials emphasize that the ban is focused on protecting the food supply and animal safety, distancing it from any political motivations.
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The New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the skin of living mammals, causing severe damage, infections, and can often be fatal to livestock and, in rare cases, humans.
They have implemented a comprehensive pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol that includes inspection and treatment of cattle and bison by authorized veterinarians before they enter pre-export pens, followed by further inspections by Mexican and U.S. officials at border ports to mitigate the threat of screwworm.
The U.S. suspended live cattle imports from Mexico for 15 days in response to the continued northward spread of the screwworm parasite despite previous containment efforts, aiming to protect animal health and food supply safety.
Mexico's Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué expressed disagreement with the suspension but remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached soon to manage the screwworm outbreak together.
The import suspension may continue on a month-by-month basis until a significant window of containment for the screwworm is achieved.
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