Government seeks border reopening for Mexican cattle; Sheinbaum highlights actions to control screwworm pest

Mexico is actively pursuing the reopening of its cattle border with the United States, a crucial trade route closed for the past year due to an outbreak of the screwworm fly. President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the government's commitment to controlling the infestation, which has impacted key cattle-producing states like Sonora, Coahuila, and Durango.

"Obviously, we would like the border to open from the first moment... It is a unilateral decision by the United States," Sheinbaum stated during a press conference. She detailed Mexico's strategy, which includes the construction of a new bio-factory in Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, dedicated to producing sterile flies. This method, previously successful in eradicating the pest decades ago, involves releasing sterile male flies to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the pest.

Mexico is collaborating with U.S. authorities, including the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its secretary, Brooke Rollins, as well as with Panamanian officials, who also possess advanced technology for pest control. The goal is to ensure that Mexican beef can once again be exported, with significant progress reported in Sonora and Durango.

In addition to the sterile fly program, Mexican authorities are providing information to ranchers on sanitation and wound care to prevent larvae from infecting animals and people. The government aims to expand support to other states this year, ensuring the production and export of high-quality meat.