USDA Responds to New World Screwworm Threat Near U.S.-Mexico Border
Courtesy of USDA/APHIS
The USDA is ramping up efforts to protect American livestock following the recent detection of New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one reported just 170 miles from the U.S. border. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued an update on X last week to outline actions underway and affirm continued collaboration with Mexican authorities.
“Working to keep moving out information on this potentially devastating parasite on our American livestock industry. Mexico notified us of another New World Screwworm detection near Mexico City, approximately 390 miles from the Texas border. This new case follows the previously notified detection earlier this week approximately 170 miles from our southern border. We are in constant contact with Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Berdegue about progress to date.”
Secretary Rollins emphasized that while progress is being made, the presence of the pest close to U.S. borders remains a concern.
“While the results are encouraging, the recent positive New World Screwworm cases near our southern border confirm that there is significant work left to do.”
According to the USDA and updates from Mexican authorities, there has been a 28% decrease in active cases since September 11th. Mexico has also implemented additional risk mitigation actions and applied rapid-response protocols to affected livestock.
“Active cases in Mexico have decreased by 28% since September 11th, additional risk mitigation actions in Mexico have been implemented, and immediate response protocols in Mexico have resulted in 7,245 animals receiving timely treatment and fully recovering.”
In partnership with Mexico, the U.S. is continuing aggressive suppression and eradication efforts, including:
- Dispersing 100 million sterile flies per week in Mexico
- Targeted shipments of sterile flies to outbreak sites
- Over 3 billion sterile flies released to date
- Ongoing coordination for trapping and surveillance
- Construction of U.S.-based facilities to support future fly production and release
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that poses serious threats to livestock health and the agricultural economy. With USDA leading the charge, these cross-border efforts aim to prevent the pest’s spread into U.S. territory.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.