Following a new case of screwworm detected in Ixhuatlán de Madero, Veracruz, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has again halted imports of Mexican cattle , following a previous announcement authorizing a gradual reopening starting July 7.

The USDA stated in its statement that the closure is “effective immediately.” The measure also cited Mexican authorities’ failure to provide accurate and timely information about the spread of the pest.

He argued that the goal is to protect American cattle herds and the national food supply.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture had announced a phased, risk-based reopening strategy for the importation of Mexican cattle, bison, and equines,” recalled USDA head Brooke Rollins, quoted in the statement.

According to the planned schedule, the reopening of Mexican cattle crossings to the United States would begin on July 7 at the port of Douglas, Arizona. Meanwhile, crossings would open on July 14 in Columbus, New Mexico; on July 21 in Santa Teresa, New Mexico; on August 18 in Del Rio, Texas; and on September 15 in Laredo, Texas.

“To reactivate the livestock trade, significant progress will need to be made in combating the worm in Veracruz and other nearby Mexican states before reopening livestock ports along the southern border,” Rollins emphasized.

Following the discovery, the federal office called on Mexican authorities to implement stricter controls on animal movement, as well as ongoing surveillance , trapping, and the use of proven scientific methods to stem the screwworm infestation.

Reactions to the suspension of reopening

The measure has come as a shock to companies in the sector, which have already reacted. In a statement, the Mexican Meat Producers Association (AMEG) reaffirmed its collaboration to ensure the traceability, safety, and health of cattle destined for export.

Separately, the National Association of Federal Inspection Establishments (ANETIF) reiterated that “the TIF system guarantees meat safety, even in health emergency situations, and that these decisions affect the operation, exports, and logistics of certified plants, in addition to causing millions in losses for both countries.”

He added that this new case, reported by the National Service of Health, Safety and Food Quality (Senasica) and confirmed by U.S. authorities, is located outside the current dispersal zone of sterile flies, which raises concerns about a possible expansion to the north of the country .

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported this morning that technical teams are already working to control the screwworm infestation detected in Veracruz, and she hopes that cattle exports to the United States will resume “very soon.”

In his morning press conference, he called the closure of the U.S. southern border “totally exaggerated” and said that “everything that scientifically and practically should be done is being done.”

On May 11, the United States suspended the import of Mexican cattle due to a screwworm infestation detected in Oaxaca and Veracruz.

The screwworm plague has deeply affected the Mexican livestock sector, which suffered a 64% drop in exports between January and May 2025, according to the  Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA) .

This figure meant a decrease in the volume of shipments abroad, falling from 640,000 head in 2024 to only 233,000 head in 2025 during the reference period.

This represented an economic loss of 53% , as exports went from $605 million in the first five months of 2024 to $287 million in the same period of 2025.

Comment and follow us on X:   @GrupoT21

El cargo A new case of screwworm suspends the reopening of Mexican cattle ranches in the U.S. apareció primero en T21.

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.

Comment and follow us on X: @GrupoT21–

El cargo ANETIF strengthens preventive measures in response to the case of the screwworm in Chiapas apareció primero en T21.