• The U.S. suspends cattle and livestock imports from Mexico due to the New World Screwworm threat.
• The parasite has made a significant resurgence in Central America and Mexico.
• USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasizes animal safety as a national security issue.
• The suspension is set to continue on a month-by-month basis until containment is achieved.
• The screwworm outbreaks are feared to have a major economic impact on U.S. agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the suspension of imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico due to the alarming spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a pathogenic fly that poses a serious threat to livestock. This ban is effective immediately and has been mandated as the parasitic fly has been detected within 700 miles of the U.S. border in southern Mexico, particularly in states such as Oaxaca and Veracruz, according to Newsweek, NPR, and ABC News.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that the decision stems not from political motivations but rather from the imperative need to protect both animal welfare and the nation's food supply. "The protection of our animals and safety of our nation's food supply is a national security issue of the utmost importance," Rollins stated, underlining the potential for widespread devastation if the NWS were to spread further into the U.S., according to NPR and ABC News.

The NWS larvae are known for burrowing into the flesh of their hosts, which can lead to severe injuries, infections, and even death if untreated. Historically, the United States and Mexico successfully eradicated this pest in the 1960s and 70s through the release of sterile flies, but the recent resurgence is alarming, particularly with over 6,500 cases reported in Panama alone in 2023. The USDA estimates that an outbreak today could cost the Texas economy significantly, with potential losses exceeding $1.8 billion, as stated by Newsweek and ABC News.

The suspension will remain in effect on a month-by-month basis until effective containment measures are in place, including enhanced surveillance and treatment protocols. Additionally, USDA plans to collaborate with Mexican authorities and utilize specific methods to eradicate the NWS through sterilization techniques, as highlighted by Rollins and supported by the findings of previous studies on pest control strategies, according to NPR, Newsweek, and ABC News.