Mexico-US Coordinate Livestock Border Reopening Amidst Screwworm Control
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Mexico and the United States have coordinated to reopen the border for livestock exports, which were halted due to the screwworm pest.
- The border reopening, starting with Sonora and Chihuahua, is expected in August following successful sterile fly production and other control measures.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted the technical collaboration between the two governments to manage the pest and protect livestock.
Mexico's border will reopen to livestock exports in August, following a coordinated effort with the United States to combat the screwworm pest. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the reopening, which will initially include the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, emphasizing the strong technical collaboration between the two nations.
Sheinbaum highlighted various measures implemented to control the pest, including the production of sterile flies at a plant in Chiapas. These sterile flies prevent the propagation of screwworm larvae, which can severely damage livestock. The efforts have been conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"This speaks to good coordination and good collaboration between both governments; very technical, because the work done was very technical on how to prevent the spread of this that harms livestock so much," Sheinbaum stated during her morning press conference at the National Palace. She credited advisors and secretaries involved in the agricultural sector for their work in achieving this milestone.
The reopening signifies a significant step in managing the screwworm infestation, which poses a substantial threat to the livestock industry. The joint efforts aim to ensure the safe and sustainable resumption of cattle exports while safeguarding animal health.
This speaks to good coordination and good collaboration between both governments; very technical, because the work done was very technical on how to prevent the spread of this that harms livestock so much.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.