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US Cattlemen’s Association Applauds USDA’s Decisive Action to Close U.S.-Mexico Border in Response to New World Screwworm Threat

Washington, DC — The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) expressed its sincere appreciation for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decisive action to close live animal imports at the southern border, in response to the surge of New World Screwworm (NWS) cases across Mexico. This is an issue USCA members shared widely in Washington, DC last week across USDA agencies and congressional offices. This coordinated measure, grounded in scientific expertise and decades of cross-border collaboration, is critical to preserving the health of America’s cattle herd and the future of the U.S. beef supply.

“We are grateful to Secretary Rollins and the USDA for recognizing the urgent threat posed by the New World Screwworm and making the hard decision to halt animal movement across the southern border,” USCA President Justin Tupper said, following an in-depth USDA-APHIS stakeholder briefing that included USCA policy staff. “Closing the border to Mexico will protect the U.S. beef supply and U.S. producers from the New World Screwworm. This is an issue that was resolved in the 1970s after the parasite caused severe and lasting damage to America’s cattle herd. Its re-emergence is a very serious issue with potentially catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.”

According to recent APHIS data shared with USCA and industry stakeholders, there have been over 1,400 detections of NWS across Mexico as of May 9, with outbreaks progressing steadily northward. Notably, active cases are now present in Chiapas, Tabasco, and as far north as central Oaxaca — just 127 miles from Mexico’s crucial secondary barrier. The ongoing increase in detections includes new cases in Veracruz, a major cattle movement corridor. Quick action is a necessity.

“Generations of ranching families remember the devastation the last NWS outbreak caused. Thanks to USDA’s vigilance and strong partnership with Mexico, we have the tools, surveillance, and sterile insect technology to respond, but controlling animal movement and closing ports of entry are essential first steps,” Tupper continued.

The NWS eradication effort relies on three science-based pillars: animal movement control, rapid identification and education, and the sterile insect technique. The USDA’s sterile insect facility in Panama is currently operating at maximum capacity, releasing over 100 million sterile insects weekly in Mexico, with increased aerial dispersal flights and covering 3,000 – 6,000 insects per linear nautical mile — far surpassing historic levels. Technical teams are in the field, evaluating surveillance and helping Mexican partners expand monitoring and outreach. It is essential that the population of sterile flies is maintained for prevention efforts.

USCA also appreciates the regular and transparent communication with USDA and international partners, as well as the swift implementation of animal health safeguards, enhanced tick rider monitoring along the border, and ongoing evaluation of port activities to ensure safety is maintained at every level.

While understanding the significant impact this temporary closure may have on cross-border commerce and producers, USCA stands firmly behind USDA and APHIS in prioritizing animal health and the long-term viability of the American beef industry. Disease prevention and eradication measures will be more impactful and financially feasible than any emergency management strategy that would result from an outbreak.

“We must remain vigilant. The lessons of the past, combined with today’s cutting-edge surveillance and eradication tools, give us the best possible chance to halt this outbreak,” Tupper concluded. “USCA will continue to work hand-in-hand with USDA, state veterinarians, and our neighbors in Mexico to eradicate the New World Screwworm once again and safeguard America’s cattle ranching heritage.”

For more information and resources, visit the official USDA newsroom.

Source: USCA press release