Livestock Trade Halted to Block Spread of Screwworm Pest
R-CALF USA has welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to close southern border ports to livestock trade, following the detection of new cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the closure to protect American livestock from the growing risk of infestation.
The New World Screwworm, a serious pest that targets warm-blooded animals, has recently been found further north in Mexico, approaching the U.S. border. This raised concerns about its potential to cross into the United States and affect domestic herds.
R-CALF USA and 19 of its affiliate organizations urged the federal government to stop all imports of cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico until the pest is fully eradicated there. They cited the need to act quickly to avoid the spread of this harmful parasite into the U.S.
Secretary Rollins responded by ordering the immediate shutdown of southern ports to livestock movement. This measure is part of a larger USDA effort to strengthen border protection and stop screwworm from spreading north.
R-CALF USA thanked the Secretary for her decisive leadership, stating that her move reflects a strong commitment to animal health and disease prevention.
The USDA also continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with Mexican authorities to ensure the pest is brought under control. Eradication programs and sterile fly release systems are part of ongoing strategies to combat NWS.