US Suspends Livestock Imports from Mexico Amid Screwworm Threat
By Seth Millstein | Oklahoma News Service
In a recent announcement, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins declared a suspension of all livestock imports from Mexico due to a resurgence of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that recently re-emerged in southern Mexico. This species, which was eradicated from the U.S. by 1966, poses a serious threat to American livestock.
The suspension covers live cattle, bison, and horses, and will be reviewed monthly until containment measures are confirmed. This decision comes after Mexican officials detected the parasitic flies reportedly linked to previous outbreaks in Panama, raising alarms about potential spread into the U.S.
Dr. Rod Hall, Oklahoma’s state veterinarian, underscored that screwworm infestations can devastate various livestock, as the larvae invade healthy tissue. The situation is alarming for U.S. farmers, particularly cattle ranchers, who could face crippling losses if the infestation spreads.
Historically, the New World screwworm was prevalent until eradication efforts in the 20th century through the Sterile Insect Technique. However, a recent outbreak in Panama is suspected to have contributed to its northward spread, compounded by illegal cattle trafficking.
Rollins emphasized that the suspension is focused on safeguarding animal health and food safety rather than political factors, despite ongoing tensions between U.S. and Mexican officials. Notably, the screwworm poses minimal risk to human health; however, the ongoing threat underscores the precarious nature of livestock farming in border regions.
The Department of Agriculture will monitor the situation closely, as swift action will be crucial in preventing a potential agricultural crisis linked to this contagion. As of now, farmers and officials await developments, hoping to avert a worst-case scenario that could impact the industry significantly.
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