Mexico restarts limited cattle exports to the US after screwworm interruption, providing relief to ranchers.
Mexican authorities have announced the resumption of live cattle exports to the United States, marking a significant milestone after a nearly two-year hiatus. This cessation was initially prompted by the emergence of a screwworm outbreak, which raised concerns during the latter years of the Trump administration. The renewed export activity commenced on Monday with cattle being transported from Agua Prieta, Sonora, to Douglas, Arizona.
The resumption of this trade route has been met with relief from Mexico’s ranching industry, which had been severely impacted by the previous restrictions. The screwworm, a pest associated with severe tissue damage in warm-blooded animals, had been a significant barrier to trade. Currently, it is reported that the larvae, originating from the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly, are present in both Mexico and the U.S., further complicating the situation.
On Monday evening, cattle began crossing the border, facilitated by extensive inspections conducted by U.S. and Mexican officials. These inspections involved the use of specially trained dogs to ensure that the livestock were free from the screwworm infestation. This multi-agency effort highlights the ongoing vigilance required in managing the agricultural trade between the two nations.
The screwworm outbreak first emerged in Mexico in November 2024 and has since spread to 30 of the country’s 32 states, affecting regions crucial for livestock production, including Sonora. The United States reported its first cases of the infection in Texas and New Mexico back in June.
In response to the outbreak, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the reopening of the export market and announced various measures aimed at mitigating risks associated with the pest. Strategies include enhancing cattle tracking systems and dispersing sterile flies in border regions, particularly in Sonora and Chihuahua, which are among the leading states for cattle exports to the U.S.
The U.S. has implemented new protocols to safeguard the cattle trade, which now includes placing radio-frequency identification tags in the cattle’s ears alongside the installation of scanners at border crossings. Initially, daily cattle crossings into Arizona are limited to 700, with plans to gradually increase the count to 1,300 over the following weeks.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the resumed exports, industry experts caution that recovery from the Trump-era restrictions may prove slow. This caution is particularly relevant given current low cattle counts in the U.S., reported to be the lowest in 75 years, which has subsequently contributed to rising beef prices. As the Mexican ranching sector resumes its exports, the interplay between pest management and market dynamics will remain critically important for both nations.
Media News Source.
