Mexico to release sterile flies against screwworm pest in Tamaulipas

Mexico is set to begin releasing sterile flies within weeks to combat the New World screwworm, a parasitic pest that has significantly impacted the country's livestock industry. The initiative will commence in Tamaulipas, according to President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Speaking at a press conference, Sheinbaum highlighted the need for a "shared responsibility" in managing the pest. She stated that the government's role involves providing all necessary conditions, information, and resources to prevent the screwworm's spread. This includes ensuring that livestock are clean and that any wounds are properly treated and healed, as the pest specifically targets these openings.

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There is a shared responsibility: one from the government to provide all the conditions, information, and everything necessary to prevent the spread of this worm. And another is from the producers themselves; there must be a check of the livestock, that they are clean, that the wounds are clean, that they heal, because it has the characteristic of entering precisely through wounds. So, there must also be a responsibility from the producer, from the producers, to keep the animals free of infection.

The president requested the exact date for the fly release from the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, confirming that Tamaulipas will be the starting point before the program expands. This effort comes as Mexico prepares to reopen its borders to cattle imports in August, following previous losses estimated at $592 million over 14 months due to the screwworm infestation.

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The fly goes to Tamaulipas and from there it begins to disperse.