By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken strong steps to protect American livestock by closing all southern border ports to live animal trade from Mexico. This action follows a new detection of the dangerous New World Screwworm (NWS) in Ixhuatlan de Madero, Veracruz, Mexico, which is now only about 370 miles from the U.S. border.
This detection is the latest in a series of northward cases. Two months ago, USDA shut ports to Mexican cattle, bison, and horses after earlier screwworm detections in Oaxaca and Veracruz. These movements show the pest is spreading north, prompting urgent action.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins continues her bold plan to stop the NWS. USDA is working with Mexico to ensure stronger animal movement controls, better pest surveillance, and faster fly trapping. The goal is to push the NWS barrier south, using proven science and strict steps to stop the spread.
Secretary Rollins announced major updates. A new sterile fly dispersal center is under construction in South Texas. This facility will help release sterile flies to stop screwworm if it reaches U.S. territory. USDA is also designing a U.S.-based sterile fly production site to strengthen long-term control and maintain the barrier far from American soil.
USDA teams are working with state and local partners in Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. They’re visiting locations across Mexico to make sure the country is keeping proper checks in place.
This ongoing teamwork and prevention strategy are key to stopping screwworm before it crosses into the United States again.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: National