MEXICO SUSPENDS MOST US LIVESTOCK IMPORTS AFTER SCREWWORM CASES REPORTED IN TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO . (PHOTO).

 Mexico suspends most US livestock imports after screwworm cases reported in Texas and New Mexico 

Mexico has announced it will suspend most imports of live animals from the United States after confirmed cases of the New World screwworm pest were detected in Texas and New Mexico, marking a major disruption in cross-border livestock trade.

The suspension applies to a wide range of animals, including cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and other livestock, according to Mexico’s agriculture ministry. Officials said the decision follows the confirmation of five screwworm cases in the U.S. since June 3 and was made in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The move comes amid already tight restrictions on livestock movement along the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. officials had recently maintained limits on imports from Mexico due to ongoing concerns about the spread of the pest south of the border, making the latest action a significant escalation in trade restrictions between the two countries.

The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has stated that livestock trade through southern border ports remains closed due to the presence of New World screwworm in Mexico. Updated guidance from early June indicates restrictions are still in place as authorities work to contain the outbreak.

Mexico has reported more than 28,000 screwworm cases since late 2024. Officials said the new import suspension is intended to protect livestock herds in northern Mexican states, including Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua and Sinaloa, where no confirmed cases have been reported.

The outbreak has already begun affecting the U.S. cattle industry by tightening supplies of feeder cattle, particularly in Texas and other Southern Plains states that rely heavily on imports from Mexico. Industry observers say the restrictions have disrupted procurement strategies, increased market uncertainty, and raised concerns about long-term supply stability if the pest continues spreading.

New World screwworm, which infests and feeds on living tissue, was previously eradicated from the United States through decades-long control programs. However, recent detections in both Mexico and now in Texas and New Mexico have renewed concern among animal health officials and livestock producers.

Both countries are closely monitoring the situation given the deep integration of their livestock supply chains. Prolonged disruptions could impact cattle, horse, sheep, goat and swine movements, with potential ripple effects on market prices, feedlot operations and breeding programs across North America.