USDA has announced an initiative funded by $165 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation to suppress New World Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) in Central America and to prevent introduction into the U.S. After the infestation was identified in Mexico, USDA placed an embargo on importation of cattle across the southern border. This has led to disruption in live animal trade and has the potential to increase beef prices for consumers.
It is anticipated that importation will resume in early 2025, but this will depend on ongoing cooperation between veterinary authorities in the U.S. and Mexico. It is envisioned that holding pens will be established at import points along the southern border that will allow inspectors to determine that cattle are free of lesions.
Funds will be made available from the Emergency Allocation to propagate sterile male screwworm flies that will be released in Central America. Depending on the proportion of sterile males that mate with females, egg deposition on host animals will be markedly reduced, and populations of adult flies should drop. From 1966 onwards the USDA effectively eliminated New World screwworm from north of the Panama Canal through a program of surveillance and release of sterile males.
Dr. Rosemarie Sifford, Chief Veterinary Officer of the USDA, stated, “While the United States will work very closely with Mexico and has agreed to protocols, it will take some time to implement these due to multiple steps needed to resume trade.”