US Halts Livestock Exports to Mexico Over Screwworm Outbreak

The United States Department of Agriculture announced an emergency suspension of all live animal exports to Mexico. The ban, issued by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, covers cattle, horses, sheep, goats, wild ruminants, pigs, dogs, ferrets and ornamental birds, whether destined for slaughter or breeding. It follows the detection of screwworm (gusano barrenador) larvae in four cases in Texas and a fifth case in New Mexico. USDA officials said the parasite threatens animal health across North America and that containment measures, including sterile‑fly releases, are being expanded along the border. The restriction also reverses a prior suspension of Mexican livestock imports to the US. Analysts warn the export halt could disrupt the supply of livestock to Mexican slaughterhouses and cause price volatility in the national meat market until risk assessments are completed and new sanitary protocols are agreed upon.