USDA Secretary Announces Agreement with Mexico on Beef Parasite

May 05, 2025

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Monday that Mexico had come to an agreement with the U.S. for handling the New World screwworm. Over the weekend, the USDA secretary threatened to halt beef imports from Mexico if the country did not take more steps to respond to the spread of the New World Screwworm. This screwworm is a deadly parasite that spreads by burrowing into the living flesh of an animal. This parasite has spread to humans in rare cases.

In her letter to her Mexican counterpart, Secretary Rollins wrote, “If these issues are not resolved by Wednesday, April 30, USDA will restrict the importation of animal commodities, which consist of live cattle, bison, and equine originating from or transiting Mexico to protect the interest of the agriculture industry in the United States.”

“Every delay in granting full operational authority and eliminating customs barriers undermines our collective ability to carry out this emergency response,” the USDA secretary added.

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Video: Inside the National Swine Health Strategy - Dr. Dustin Oedekoven

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, Chief Veterinarian at the National Pork Board, explains the producer-led National Swine Health Strategy and why it is essential for improving U.S. swine health. He discussed industry collaboration, the strategy's initial priorities, why PEDV is the first focus for elimination, research initiatives, and the long-term vision for healthier herds. Listen now on all major platforms.

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Meet the guest: Dr. Dustin Oedekoven / dusty-oedekoven-bb0bb7110 is Chief Veterinarian at the National Pork Board, where he leads initiatives to strengthen U.S. swine health through disease prevention, producer collaboration, and the National Swine Health Strategy. With more than 20 years of experience in veterinary public health and regulatory animal health, his work focuses on protecting the U.S. herd from endemic and foreign animal diseases. Listen to Dr. Dustin Oedekoven on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.