Equine and Livestock Imports Suspended Along Southern Border

On May 11, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border. This action is due to the rapid northward spread of New World screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, with recent detections in remote farms as far as Oaxaca and Veracruz, approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border.

The United States and Mexico are collaborating to address and eradicate NWS, despite the economic repercussions of the suspension for both countries. Effective immediately, the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, along with Customs and Border Protection, will restrict imports of live animal commodities from or transiting Mexico.

This suspension will be reviewed on a monthly basis until a significant containment is achieved. The USDA remains in constant communication with Mexican officials to strategize on eradication efforts, assessing the latest data in two weeks. Any livestock currently awaiting entry will undergo normal processing, which includes inspections and treatment to ensure they do not carry NWS.

Secretary Rollins emphasized the need for these measures to protect the U.S. livestock industry and food safety. The efforts aim to limit the northward spread of NWS through livestock trade while allowing for a reassessment of mitigation standards.

The northward movement of NWS is also influenced by natural wildlife activities in the border region. USDA is monitoring for NWS presence by utilizing USDA Tick Riders to check livestock and wildlife along the southern border. Past efforts successfully contained NWS but required substantial investment over decades.

The recent detections raise alarms about the ongoing threat to animal health and food security.