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
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.

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.