Mexico's cattle worm outbreak in Chihuahua threatens $2 billion in exports

Mexico confirmed its first case of the cattle‑worm (gusano barrenador) in the state of Chihuahua, prompting immediate sanitary measures. A 20‑km focal zone and a 40‑km peripheral zone were established around the infected calf, with inspections, traps, ivermectin treatments and mandatory certification for cattle moving in or out of the state.

Both state and federal authorities will cover the costs of the interventions. The outbreak has been linked to potential losses exceeding $2 billion, affecting rural jobs and the nation’s livestock export earnings. The United States has kept its border ports closed to Mexican live cattle since November 2024, amplifying the economic stakes.

The pest has spread to 28 Mexican states, with the national report listing 1 951 active cases and over 33 000 cumulative infections since November 2024. Control efforts include the release of sterile flies from a new plant in Chiapas capable of producing up to 180 million sterile insects weekly, and funding allocations such as Michoacán’s 47 million‑peso program to bolster surveillance, traps and sanitary kits. Experts warn the situation could persist without sustained containment and coordinated bi‑national policies.