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Chick-News.com Poultry Industry News, Comments and more by Simon M. Shane

U.S. Suspends Importation of Live Animals from Mexico

12/04/2024

Following an outbreak of New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in the Mexican state of Chiapas near the border with Guatemala, the U.S. APHIS has halted importation of live cattle from Mexico awaiting a response from the Government of Mexico.

 

New World screwworm was eradicated from North America in 2006, with a barrier represented by the Panama Canal blocking northward spread of the parasite. Elimination was achieved by releasing irradiated sterile flies and tactical administration of insecticides coupled with surveillance of livestock.  Recently illegal movement of cattle and failure to regulate livestock has allowed northward movement of the infestation with transfer of infective eggs and larvae on cattle from Nicaragua to Mexico.

 

Based on the import ban, cattle producers in Mexico are pressing their authorities for immediate action to prevent illegal movement of livestock from Guatemala to Mexico.  Action includes strengthening enforcement at border crossings, increasing penalties for illegal livestock movement and encouraging collaboration between government authorities and stakeholders.

 

The magnitude of trade between Mexico and the U.S. is evidenced by importation of 89,000 head in October with a 13 percent year-to-date increase in introduction of feeder cattle from Mexico compared to 2023.

 

The APHIS is recommending that livestock producers along the southern U.S. border closely monitor livestock and pets for any indication of screwworm myiasis as denoted by wounds with visible larvae or eggs.

 

The ban on importation imposed on November 26th resulted in a sharp increase in the price of feeder cattle to $187 per cwt. in December and $256 per cwt. for January delivery.

 

The APHIS is cooperating with livestock administrators in Mexico, Guatemala and other Central American nations to release sterile male screwworm flies at targeted locations.


 
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