Mexico establishes council to eradicate cattle screwworm

Mexico has launched a new technical-scientific council to intensify its fight against the cattle screwworm (GBG), a persistent pest affecting livestock. The council aims to unify efforts among the federal government, state authorities, academic institutions, and producers, marking a shift from an emergency footing to a sustained national eradication campaign.

Established on August 28, the council's primary objective is to "strengthen scientific, technological, and institutional capacities in favor of livestock farming, the livelihood of millions of producer families, and the national food supply," according to a statement from the Secretariats of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Science, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación.

This move aligns with President Claudia Sheinbaum's directive to foster collaboration based on scientific evidence. The initiative comes shortly after Mexico resumed cattle exports to the United States from Agua Prieta, Sonora, on August 25. This resumption, after a 14-month hiatus due to the screwworm, involved an initial shipment of 750 head, with plans to gradually increase to 1,500.

Despite the resumption of exports, the screwworm remains a significant concern. Sonora, one of the initial states cleared for export, recently confirmed its first case since the emergency began in November 2024. As of August 23, Mexico had recorded 39,470 cumulative cases since November 2024, with 1,937 still active. The pest has now spread to 30 of the country's 32 states, leaving only Baja California and Baja California Sur unaffected.

The newly formed council will focus on enhancing surveillance and diagnostic systems, promoting early detection, analyzing pest population dynamics, and developing new prevention and eradication methods. It will also explore advancements in genetics, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence to combat the pest.