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
Weak cold chain performance can lead to slower movement, higher costs, and greater product loss after harvest or processing.
K-State economists say big swings in cattle futures can complicate hedging, margin calls, and timing of sales.
The dairy industry is encouraged by potential H-2A reforms while supporting renewal of the USMCA.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension is helping ranchers navigate grazing and herd management strategies.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Gary Schnitkey from the University of Illinois discusses farmers’ sentiment toward industry consolidation, especially in the fertilizer sector, where costs remain historically high.
Experts note that economic growth, fuel demand, and energy diversification are opening new opportunities for U.S. grain and ethanol exports in Southeast Asia.
The Potter Valley Project has provided irrigation water and hydroelectric power for over 100 years in Northern California, serving agriculture and municipal users.
The USDA’s new cotton initiative comes as policymakers continue to focus on stabilizing farm income across major row crops while balancing export exposure with domestic supply chain resilience.
Agencies will collaborate to monitor wildlife movement along the U.S. Southern Border and reduce pathways for New World Screwworm to spread.
More than 1,000 Pennsylvania JBS workers face layoffs as the company prepares to close a beef processing plant this summer.
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.