Mexican Government to Restrict Livestock Movement to Combat Beetle Infestation.

Mexican authorities plan to strengthen restrictions on cattle movement from the south to curb the spread of the gusano barrenador plague, but have ruled out closing the southern border for now. The decision comes as a prolonged drought affects the livestock industry in the country.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended live cattle, horse, and bison imports through southern border ports of entry, effective immediately, due to the continued spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico [1]. This action is part of a broader effort to contain the pest, which poses a significant threat to the U.S. livestock industry and food supply.

The suspension, announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, is a response to the recent detection of NWS in remote farms in Mexico, including Oaxaca and Veracruz, over 700 miles from the U.S. border [1]. The NWS has been spreading northward despite collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Mexico to interdict and eradicate the parasite [1].

The USDA, in conjunction with Customs & Border Protection (CBP), will restrict the importation of live animal commodities originating from or transiting Mexico until a significant window of containment is achieved [1]. Any livestock currently in holding for entry into the U.S. will be processed normally, including an inspection and treatment by APHIS port Veterinary Medical Officers to ensure they are not carrying NWS [1].

The U.S. and Mexico have been working together to combat the NWS, but the recent spread of the pest has necessitated this suspension [1]. The USDA has stated that this action is not about punishing Mexico but rather about protecting the U.S. livestock industry and ensuring food safety [1].

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has expressed support for the USDA’s decision, stating that the border closure is a necessary step to halt the spread of the invasive pest [1]. The NCBA has been urging stronger action to stop the spread of NWS for months, highlighting the potential economic harm to the U.S. livestock industry if the pest crosses the border [1].

The suspension of live cattle imports will create economic harm for U.S. farmers and ranchers, but the costs will be far less than if NWS crosses into the U.S. and is forced to be fought on U.S. soil [1].

References:
[1] https://www.beefmagazine.com/market-news/u-s-suspends-live-cattle-imports-at-southern-border