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
The Dairy Checkoff’s new approach to consumer marketing helps farmers bridge the gap between physical vs. digital touchpoints and deliver more end sales.
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
Expanded aerial capacity strengthens the U.S.–Mexico buffer against screwworm, providing cattle producers with stronger protection heading into winter and reducing risk to herds along the southern tier.
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
The facility will increase the range of sterile fly release and bolster preparedness for New World Screwworm.
