US and Mexico resolve standoff over Screwworm response

The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement on New World Screwworm control efforts that will allow Mexican cattle to continue entering the US. One week ago, US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned her Mexican counterpart that unless Mexico moved decisively to eliminate bureaucratic barriers and intensify eradication efforts against the New World screwworm, the US would restrict imports of cattle, bison, and equine animals from Mexico beginning Wednesday, April 30.

However, on Friday Secretary Rollins announced that Mexico had committed to eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft, and waive customs duties on eradication equipment aiding in the response to the spread of New World Screwworm (NWS), Beef Central reported. Due to this agreement US ports will remain open to livestock imports, Secretary Rollins said, before adding that if at any time the terms are not upheld, port closure will be revisited. “I am happy to share Mexico has continued to partner in emergency efforts to eradicate the New World Screwworm,” Secretary Rollins said.

Mexico is the largest supplier of imported cattle to the US, sending over 1 million head per year before a New World Screwworm outbreak in November 2024 led to a halt on Mexican cattle imports to the US.