MEXICO CITY (RFD-TV) — A new livestock checkpoint in Montemorelos, Nuevo León, stopped a calf carrying New World screwworm—and the larvae were already dead.
Under Mexico’s reinforced rules, all animals receive a double treatment (ivermectin plus a larvicidal bath). Inspectors treated and checked the full load of 85 head and found no other cases.
This most recent case was discovered 170 miles south of the border, in a shipment of more than 80 animals. Mexico’s ag ministry says this was the second confirmation in two weeks.
The infected animal was a calf, but no other livestock was infected with screwworm. Mexican officials say that when the pest was discovered, it was already dead, primarily due to mandatory treatments in Mexico.
A detection was reported last month, located closer to the US, just 70 miles south of the Texas border. Officials said this incident is separate from the Sept. 20 detection in Sabinas Hidalgo, which was officially declared inactive on Oct. 5 after tracing, wound care for thousands of animals, trapping, and sterile-fly releases.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Border controls and mandatory treatments in Mexico, plus a new U.S. tool (Dectomax-CA1), are tightening the net on screwworm. Mexico’s tougher, two-step treatment and added checkpoints are catching cases before they can spread—good news for producers near the border.
On the U.S. side, regulators have conditionally approved Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) for the prevention and treatment of screwworm in cattle, with 21 days of reinfestation protection. The move is meant to get producers a tool now while full-effectiveness data are finalized. Label restrictions and withdrawal times still apply, and veterinarians are urging the targeted use of these products as part of an integrated parasite control plan to help prevent animals from developing resistance to treatments.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says she has been in touch with Mexican officials. As a result of this latest detection, the USDA will send crews to the region to deploy traps and release more sterile flies. Rollins says the USDA’s number one goal remains keeping the U.S. herd safe and secure.
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
January 13, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
January 13, 2026 06:00 AM
·
The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.
January 12, 2026 03:10 PM
·
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
January 09, 2026 03:36 PM
·
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
January 09, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
January 07, 2026 06:00 PM
·
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
January 07, 2026 12:57 PM
·
