International News: US border reopens to Mexican Cattle as screwworm concerns persist

By Zoila Palma:  The United States has begun a phased reopening of its southern border to Mexican cattle, while concerns remain over the continued spread of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite in northern Mexico.

The move marks the first easing of a U.S. ban imposed more than a year ago to protect American livestock from the pest, Reuters report.

The reopening initially allows cattle imports through Douglas, Arizona, with shipments limited to 700 head per day during the first week.

That number is expected to increase to 900 per day in the second week and eventually reach about 1,300 head daily.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the reopening is based on enhanced safeguards and a science-based import protocol agreed upon by both countries.

However, some U.S. cattle groups and state officials have criticized the decision, warning that renewed imports could increase the risk of screwworm entering the United States.

The USDA has identified 46 screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, including two currently active cases. Texas ports will remain closed for now, while two ports in New Mexico are expected to be evaluated for reopening within 30 and 60 days.

Mexico is strengthening containment measures in Sonora and Chihuahua, where new cases have been reported.

Mexican authorities are increasing inspections, livestock movement controls and treatment efforts, while expanding the release of sterile flies designed to prevent the parasite from reproducing.

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