Potential Lift of Cattle Import Suspension Between Mexico and the U.S.

By Adriana Barrera

Mexico City, May 27 (Reuters) – A delegation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to visit Mexico soon, according to a statement from Mexico’s agriculture ministry. This visit could pave the way for lifting the current suspension of Mexican cattle imports to the United States.

The suspension was initiated in response to an outbreak of the New World screwworm, a harmful insect that burrows into livestock and poses a significant risk to their health.

Mitigation Measures in Place

In an effort to combat the spread of this pest, Mexico has implemented several measures aimed at controlling its population. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, expressed approval of these initiatives during a video call with her Mexican counterpart on Tuesday.

Investment in Sterile Fly Production

In addition to the measures taken by Mexico, the USDA announced it will allocate $21 million toward the renovation of a facility in southern Mexico. This investment aims to enhance the production of sterile screwworm flies, which will work to diminish the mating population of the wild flies, thus minimizing the impact of future infestations.

Ongoing Import Restrictions

It is essential to note that while discussions are ongoing, the USDA has cautioned that the existing import restrictions remain effective. The situation will be assessed every 30 days to determine any necessary adjustments to the policy.

(Reporting by Adriana Barrera; Editing by Sarah Morland)

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