More Cases of New World Screwworm Detected Within 200 Miles of U.S. Border

New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.

screw worm again 1280.jpg

Market Day Report

MEXICO CITY (RFD-TV) — New World Screwworm remains isolated in Mexico, but it is closer to the U.S. southern border than ever before. The first new case was in a calf located less than 200 miles from the U.S. border, marking the parasite’s closest approach to America. The second case was reported the following day in a goat near Mexico City.

Rich Nelson, chief strategist with Allendale, Inc., told RFD-TV News that the markets are closely watching that action this week.

“We’re watching those two updates from last week where USDA did confirm this discussion about two new cases of screwworm in Mexico,” Nelson said. “One of those cases was within 200 miles of the border. So as far as it stands, starting out this week, a little premium is still being added from that screwworm concern -- and the confirmation that we will not be raising that or opening that Mexican border.”

Authorities report more than 13,000 cases of New World Screwworm in Mexico since late 2024.

Related Stories
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.
India trade tensions may affect the U.S. export outlook.
USDA’s March WASDE report leaves U.S. corn, soybean and wheat ending stocks unchanged while adjusting global production estimates for South America.
Partnership with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ensures Engineering Excellence and Operational Effectiveness

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.