Mexico and U.S. Strengthen Cooperation Against Screwworm to Protect Cattle Exports

• Mexico and US Seek Solution Through Cooperation
• Screwworm Triggers Health Alert
• Million-Dollar Risk for Ranchers

Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary, Julio Berdegué, announced that he will speak this week with his US counterpart to address the ongoing livestock health crisis affecting both nations.

“This week I’ll have a call with the US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, to discuss cattle exports and the campaign against the screwworm,” Berdegué wrote on social media.

The announcement followed a statement by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who confirmed progress in technical negotiations between the two governments.

“The technical committees from Mexico and the United States have already reached an agreement,” Sheinbaum said during her morning press conference.

Mexico Seeks Solutions to Livestock Crisis

Sheinbaum also reported that a binational agreement is in place to build a facility for the production of sterile flies, which will prevent the reproduction of the parasite responsible for myiasis.

The disease, caused by the larvae of the screwworm fly, has raised alarms in the agricultural sector due to its devastating potential impact on Mexico’s cattle industry.

The outbreak threatens to reverse decades of sanitary progress, as Mexico had eradicated the pest in 1991.

Mexico’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) stated it is doing everything “materially possible” to stop the spread of the pest.

These actions come after the United States suspended imports of bovine, equine, and bison livestock from Mexico between May 11 and May 25.

That suspension period ends Monday, and authorities are working to avoid an extension of the ban.

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The National Agricultural Council (CNA) warned that the US suspension could cost Mexico up to $11.4 million per day in losses.

The economic impact is especially critical in border and southern states, where cattle production is a key driver of the rural economy.

Alarms on the Southern Border

Ranchers in southern Mexico have reported that around 100,000 head of cattle cross monthly from Guatemala without sanitary checks.

The 692-kilometer southern border serves as an open corridor for the spread of the screwworm, complicating containment efforts.

In addition to harming livestock, the screwworm outbreak has now affected humans as well.

On Sunday, Chiapas authorities confirmed two new human cases of myiasis, bringing the total to four since April 18.

The pest’s advance poses a serious threat to animal health, public safety, and trade agreements with Mexico’s top agricultural partner.

The upcoming talks between Berdegué and Rollins will be crucial in determining the path of joint efforts to contain the screwworm outbreak and safeguard exports.

Do you think Mexico should reinforce health control on its southern border to avoid new pests?

SOURCE: EFE