Mexican Deputy Urges Stronger Sanitary Controls After Texas Worm Detection

Arturo Medina, the PRI parliamentary coordinator in the Chihuahua state congress, urged federal authorities to intensify sanitary measures following the confirmation of the first case of the stem‑borer worm (gusano barrenador) in Texas. He said the outbreak highlights an international threat that requires coordinated prevention and rapid response to protect the region’s cattle sector.

Medina pointed out that the closure of the U.S. border to Mexican cattle exports has already hurt producers nationwide, especially ranchers in Chihuahua who have kept their herds free of the pest. He called for an immediate special strategy for northern border states, stronger surveillance, inspection and response mechanisms, and heightened control efforts along Mexico’s southern border, which he described as a key entry point for the infestation. The deputy praised local ranchers for maintaining sanitary standards that keep the region a national reference in livestock health.