US suspends Mexico cattle imports after New World screwworm detected

Abstract

Given the northward movement of screwworm, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it is “restricting the importation of animal commodities” — live cattle and bison — that originated or were transported through Mexico, effective immediately. The USDA’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service moved forward with a temporary pause in cattle imports from Mexico pending further information from the country’s veterinary officials regarding the size and scope of the screwworm infestation. The name screwworm refers to the maggots’ feeding behavior, burrowing into wounds like a screw being driven into wood, according to the USDA.