The United States will likely restart Mexican cattle imports before 2025, the USDA’s chief veterinarian said Wednesday, after a temporary ban imposed this month over the spread of the New World screwworm—a parasitic pest that can kill livestock. The agency also aims to contain avian flu in dairy cows by year-end, as outbreaks slow.
Key Updates
🛑 Screwworm Crisis:
- Imports halted in May after the pest was detected 700 miles from the U.S. border.
- USDA team heads to Mexico to assess surveillance measures.
- No new cases found north of the last detection, easing concerns.
🐄 Cattle Trade Timeline:
- USDA’s Rosemary Sifford: Resumption “for sure before year-end” unless conditions worsen.
- Mexico must prove effective pest control to reopen trade.
Avian Flu Progress
🥛 Dairy Herds:
- 1,000+ herds infected since 2024; new cases now limited to existing hotspots.
- Goal to halt spread by December via improved biosecurity.
🐔 Poultry Outlook: - Summer expected to be “quiet” as wild bird migrations decrease.
- 173M birds culled since 2022; human cases at 70 (mostly farm workers).
Why It Matters
🇲🇽 Trade Impact:
- Mexico is a top 3 beef exporter to the U.S. (2023: $1.8B in shipments).
- Prolonged ban could disrupt U.S. beef supply chains.
🦠 Dual Threat: - USDA juggles screwworm containment and avian flu eradication.
What’s Next?
- Mexico’s Response: Enhanced surveillance to reassure U.S. inspectors.
- Dairy Farm Rules: Stricter biosecurity mandates to curb avian flu.
- Market Watch: Beef prices may rise if Mexican imports stay paused past Q3.
US to Resume Mexican Cattle Imports by Year-End After Screwworm Scare, USDA Says