US Suspends Mexican Cattle Imports Over Parasite Outbreak

The U.S. has suspended live cattle imports from Mexico due to outbreaks of the flesh-eating New World Screwworm parasite, severely impacting Mexican ranchers who rely on cattle exports, especially in northern states like Sonora. This marks the third suspension in eight months and comes at a critical time as ranchers are still recovering from a prolonged drought. The parasite, a larva that burrows into the flesh of warm-blooded animals, poses a significant threat to livestock health and the broader agricultural economy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which eradicated the screwworm decades ago, is combating its spread by releasing billions of sterile flies in affected areas to interrupt reproduction. Mexican ranchers have been forced to sell cattle domestically at steep losses or explore alternative livelihoods like beekeeping and boutique meat sales. With fewer than half the usual cattle exports occurring this year, the future of Mexico's $1.2 billion cattle export industry is uncertain.