Mike Pearson takes a look at the New World Screwworm outbreak in Mexico and the implication on trade and U.S. cattle producers.

The USDA has released its requirements so that the Mexican feeder cattle imports doesn't bring the parasite into the USA from Mexico.

The recent detection in Mexico prompted the USDA to stop imports from coming into the USA Nov. 24, 2024.

The USDA requirements now require rigorous cattle surveillance and mandatory treatments for cattle and additional requirements at Mexican facilities and at the border.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to thoroughly investigate the threat of the New World Screwworm (NWS) prior to reopening the U.S.-Mexico feeder cattle trade.

He cited the need to prioritize rancher safety and cattle health warning before trade can resume with Mexico.

The U.S. APHIS is being urged to proceed with caution and balance cattle trade with animal health before an outbreak here in the USA.

The parasite was eradicated from the USA in 1966 but has long posed a threat in South America and Central America.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.

Related:Farm Progress America, Jan. 24, 2025