LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Florida has placed new import restrictions on warm-blooded animals coming from six South Texas counties because of the growing New World screwworm threat near the U.S.-Mexico border. The move adds another layer of pressure as livestock producers already deal with tighter cattle movement and broader biosecurity concerns.
The emergency rule applies to animals originating from Brooks, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, and Zapata counties. Florida said the counties fall within 125 miles of recent New World screwworm detections in Mexico, triggering extra import requirements.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said Florida’s action is understandable and reflects how serious the threat has become. He said the extended halt in cattle movement from Mexico is already straining supply chains, cutting into Texas meatpacking capacity, and pushing prices higher for consumers.
Florida officials said New World screwworm can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases people, usually through open wounds. If untreated, the larvae can cause severe damage and may be fatal.
Miller said USDA’s sterile-fly work is important, but more suppression tools will be needed in the near term. For now, producers in South Texas face another reminder that the screwworm threat is no longer just a border issue.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Florida’s import rule shows New World screwworm concerns are already affecting livestock movement and market conditions.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
November 21, 2025 10:30 AM
·
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
November 20, 2025 01:32 PM
·
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
November 19, 2025 03:05 PM
·
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
November 18, 2025 03:02 PM
·
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
November 18, 2025 01:13 PM
·
Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
November 18, 2025 01:02 PM
·
