U.S.-Mexico Border Closure Reinstated Due to Parasite Concerns
A recent case of a flesh-eating parasite has led to the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border for cattle, marking a significant setback for ranchers. Only days after reopening, the border crossing at Douglas, Arizona, has been shut again to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm.
The decision came after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a new occurrence of the parasite over a hundred miles northeast of Mexico City. This discovery prompted the U.S. to halt cattle imports once more, despite the previous reopening aimed at supporting the trade.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed disapproval of the abrupt closure, describing it as “totally exaggerated” given the case’s distance from the U.S. border.
The closure poses challenges for cattle ranchers in Sonora, Mexico, who rely on exporting livestock through Arizona. Jesús Fimbres, a rancher from Sonora, acknowledged the U.S.’s precautionary measures and highlighted the stringent health protocols Sonora already implements, with USDA inspections at the border.
Efforts to fortify cattle health checks have been underway since the discovery of the parasite in southern Mexico last November. Mexican border states have been collaborating with the USDA to enhance preventive measures.
The U.S. successfully eradicated the screwworm in the 1960s by releasing sterile male flies into the environment. Currently, both the U.S. and Mexico are investing in facilities to produce sterile flies, aiming to curb the parasite’s spread once again. More details can be found here.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of vigilance in monitoring the situation. “Thanks to the aggressive monitoring by USDA staff in the U.S. and in Mexico, we have been able to take quick and decisive action to respond to the spread of this deadly pest,” Rollins stated.
—
Read More Arizona News
