USDA resumes cattle imports from Mexico despite New World screwworm detection, implementing rigorous inspection protocols to ensure biosecurity and market stability.
At a Glance
- USDA resumes cattle and bison imports from Mexico after a temporary halt due to New World screwworm detection
- New pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocols implemented to ensure safe animal movement
- Imports to resume through Santa Teresa and Douglas Ports of Entry with multiple inspections and treatments
- USDA collaborating with Mexico and Central America to eradicate screwworm and maintain biological barrier
USDA Resumes Cattle Imports with Enhanced Safety Measures
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced the resumption of cattle and bison imports from Mexico. This decision comes after a temporary halt in November 2024 due to the detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in southern Mexico. To address biosecurity concerns and ensure the safe movement of livestock, APHIS and Mexican authorities have agreed upon and implemented a new pre-clearance inspection and treatment protocol.
Under the new protocol, Mexico has prepared pre-export inspection pens in San Jeronimo, Chihuahua, and Agua Prieta, Sonora, which have been inspected and approved by APHIS. Cattle and bison will undergo multiple inspections and treatments for screwworm before crossing into the U.S. at the Santa Teresa and Douglas Ports of Entry. This includes dipping the animals in a solution to ensure they are insect- and tick-free.
Market Implications and Biosecurity Efforts
The decision to resume imports is expected to have significant implications for the U.S. cattle market. Prior to this announcement, the detection of screwworm had impacted feeder cattle futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The USDA’s approach aims to balance biosecurity concerns with the need to stabilize cattle supply channels and prevent significant beef price increases.
“The geopolitical environment has become less favorable, with growing threats to free trade from all corners of the world.” – Christine Lagarde
APHIS is actively collaborating with partners in Mexico and Central America to eradicate NWS and maintain a biological barrier in Panama. The spread of screwworm north of this barrier into several Central American countries has been attributed to new farming areas and increased cattle movements. To control the screwworm population, APHIS is employing a strategic approach of releasing sterile flies in key locations.
Future Plans and Ongoing Efforts
As part of ongoing efforts to facilitate trade while maintaining biosecurity, APHIS and Mexico are working to approve additional inspection pens and reopen trade through other ports of entry. This gradual approach aims to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place before expanding the import process.
The USDA’s decision to maintain cattle imports from Mexico, despite the recent screwworm detection, reflects a broader strategy to balance economic considerations with stringent biosecurity measures. By implementing comprehensive inspection and treatment protocols, the USDA aims to protect domestic livestock while ensuring a stable supply of cattle to meet market demands.
