The appearance of a case of screwworm in Chiapas has generated uncertainty in the country’s livestock sector, since the scope of the threat it represents is unknown, in response to which the National Association of Federal Inspection Type Establishments (ANETIF) proposed some preventive measures for beef producers, and the United States has suspended the importation of Mexican cattle as a precautionary action .
In this regard, Alonso Fernández Flores , president of ANETIF, indicated that biosecurity measures on ranches and establishmentsmust be reinforced , as well as establishing continuous inspection protocols for animals and products, and participating in monitoring and control campaigns organized by the authorities.
In addition, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) temporarily suspended the importation of live animals originating in or transiting through Mexico.
“This could have a strong impact on the market and generate a contraction in the supply of beef, which will affect various sectors, but it could also open opportunities for producers and marketers of other proteins,” stressed the president of ANETIF.
Given the uncertainty surrounding this case, Fernández said that support will be strengthened for his more than 20 beef producer and marketing partners to deal with this situation, and noted that health authorities are already working on containment and eradication measures.
He added that to this end, they have requested a meeting with the National Service for Health, Safety and Agri-Food Quality (SENASICA) in order to obtain detailed information and ensure the collaboration of their association in the control strategies.
“We reiterate our commitment to protect the integrity of the national meat industry and the interests of our members and we will be in constant communication to update them on the progress and measures taken,” said Alonso Fernández.
It is worth remembering that the United States is the main destination for exports of Mexican meat and products. In 2023, Mexico exported 258,940 tons of beef to its northern neighbor, which represented a value of 1.85 billion dollars .
In 1991, the World Organization for Animal Health (WHO) declared Mexico free of this plague, caused by a larva that feeds on the live flesh of warm-blooded animals.
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