Context:

In response to the rapid spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has temporarily suspended livestock imports through the southern border. This decision aims to prevent the devastating pest from reaching the U.S., as it previously took decades and billions of dollars to eradicate in the past. Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of protecting the livestock industry and food supply, asserting that this action is a national security issue rather than a political move. Collaboratively, the U.S. and Mexico are implementing a multi-faceted strategy to eradicate NWS, which includes surveillance, animal movement control, and sterile insect dispersal. The suspension will remain in effect until substantial containment is achieved, with current livestock imports being processed and inspected to ensure they are free from NWS.

Dive Deeper:

• The USDA has implemented an immediate suspension of cattle, horse, and bison imports from Mexico due to the threat posed by the New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating fly whose larvae can cause severe damage to living animals.

• The screwworm was reported in Mexico in November 2024, and its infestation has been detected as far north as 700 miles from the U.S. border, highlighting the urgent need for containment measures.

• Historically, the eradication of NWS in the U.S. and Mexico took place in the 1960s and 1970s, but it required significant financial investment and effort over many years, emphasizing the need for proactive measures now.

• The USDA, in conjunction with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is restricting live animal imports from Mexico and will continue this suspension on a monthly basis until a substantial containment window is achieved.

• Efforts to combat the screwworm include a collaborative approach with Mexico, focusing on field surveillance, education, early detection, and controlled animal movement, alongside sterile insect techniques to prevent further spread.

• Secretary Rollins, working closely with her Mexican counterpart, highlighted that the protection of livestock and food supply is of utmost importance, and the actions taken are not politically motivated but rooted in ensuring national security.

• Any livestock currently awaiting entry into the U.S. will be processed under strict inspection protocols to guarantee they are free from NWS, ensuring the safety of the domestic livestock industry.