Context:

The U.S. has suspended cattle imports from Mexico due to the rapid spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in the region. NWS larvae infest the tissue of warm-blooded animals, posing a threat to livestock, pets, wildlife, and occasionally humans. The infestation has been detected as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, which are approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border. Mexican officials have been informed that the border will be closed to live cattle exports for 15 days to assess the situation. The USDA is actively releasing sterile flies in southern Mexico and Central America to control the NWS population and prevent further northward spread.

Dive Deeper:

• The suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports via the southern U.S. border was announced due to the rapid spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico.

• New World Screwworm larvae infest the tissue of warm-blooded animals, which can occasionally include humans, presenting a significant health threat.

• The infestation has been detected in remote farms in Oaxaca and Veracruz, which are about 700 miles from the U.S. border, indicating a northward spread.

• Mexican Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué was informed that the border closure would last 15 days as the situation is reviewed.

• While screwworms primarily affect livestock, they can also impact pets, wildlife, and sometimes birds and humans.

• Screwworm flies have historically been found in South America and the Caribbean but have spread northward into Central America and Mexico over recent years.

• The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is implementing a strategy of releasing sterile flies in strategic locations in Southern Mexico and Central America to control the screwworm population.