USDA keeps U.S./Mexico border open despite new case of New World screwworm

A new case of New World Screwworm has been detected in Mexico.

The parasitic worm was discovered last week in Mexico’s Tabasco State. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it will not restrict cattle imports from the country after recently lifting its November ban and reopening the border.

The re-opening came after USDA and Mexico established new protocols for assessing animal health before import. USDA says the new protocol will keep New World screwworms out of the U.S.

Despite the confidence from the USDA, the newly reported case was a major market mover for cattle, with fears of another border shutdown pushing feeder cattle futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange yesterday.

Related Stories
Kate Johnson didn’t set out to become an expert on all things cheese—but today, this FarmHER is the owner/founder of The Art of Cheese School where she teaches chefs at every level.
The Colorado ranch where Elin operates her business just happens to be the same ranch where she spent her summers as a child.
Growing up as a sixth-generation Iowa FarmHER, Lexi Marek’s first passion is her pigs. She started showing pigs at livestock shows early on at the young age of five.
Meet RanchHER Renee Strickland of Strickland Ranch and Exporting. Headquartered in Myakka City, Florida, Strickland and her husband export cattle around the world.
Ten years ago, FarmHER Jen Welch started a homestead on a single acre in Buena Vista, Colorado. The original idea was to grow food for her growing family.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
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.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.