The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reportedly issued a warning to Mexico, stating that all live animal imports will be suspended unless stricter measures are enforced to prevent the northward spread of a flesh-eating parasite.
As reported by Fox News, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins sent a stern letter to her Mexican counterpart on Saturday, threatening to block live imports of cattle, bison, and horses if action against New World screwworm isn’t taken by April 30.
The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, is rapidly spreading from Central America into southern Mexico. To combat this threat, USDA officials have long used a sterile insect technique (SIT), deploying sterile flies via specialized aircraft to control the pest. However, the approach is now at risk.
Rollins also stressed that Mexican customs officials have implemented costly import duties on essential supplies such as sterile flies, aviation parts, and dispersal equipment. Additionally, aviation authorities have restricted vital operations that prevent the pest from spreading across the border. She called on Mexico’s government to grant immediate aviation clearance, waive all duties on emergency equipment, and appoint a high-level liaison to fast-track solutions.
Mexico is the leading supplier of cattle to the US, exporting over 1.1 million in 2020.
However, trade sharply declined in November last year when the US suspended imports of Mexican cattle and bison due to the detection of New World screwworms in southern Mexico.
The ban was lifted in early February after Mexico introduced a new protocol for pre-clearance inspections and treatments.
Rollins has proposed to organize an emergency U.S.-Mexico summit, bringing together government leaders and technical experts to reestablish collaborative efforts.
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