Photo courtesy of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) heightened import restrictions on animal products from Mexico following the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Chiapas, near the Guatemalan border. NWS fly larvae infest warm-blooded animals, including humans, and cause severe infections.

NWS was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, but the risk of reintroduction remains. To mitigate this, APHIS is collaborating with Mexico. Sterile flies are being released along the southern border and surveillance is being increased.

The restrictions will significantly impact Mexico’s cattle exports. The country typically supplies around 100,000 head of feeder cattle monthly to the U.S. Feeder cattle prices have risen as the January inventory could drop by 1.2 million head.

Producers are urged to inspect livestock for NWS symptoms and report infections promptly. Human cases are rare but require immediate treatment. APHIS will provide further updates as the situation evolves.

Read more about the USDA’s response to the Mexican NWS detection here.