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US to Resume Mexican Livestock Imports in Phases Following Halt
The U.S. is set to gradually reopen its ports for the import of Mexican livestock, which had been halted in May due to a parasitic fly known as the New World screwworm posing a threat to animal health. The reopening will begin with the Douglas, Arizona port on July 7, with further ports in New Mexico and Texas likely to follow by mid-September, contingent on risk evaluations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The screwworm can rapidly damage livestock and has already contributed to a domestic cattle shortage, driving prices to record levels.
To combat the screwworm, the USDA has implemented measures such as releasing over 100 million sterile flies weekly to mitigate the population growth of the pest. Plans are also in place for a new facility in South Texas aimed at producing up to 300 million sterile flies per week, while Mexico will enhance its infrastructure for sterile fly production by next year. Strict protocols will dictate which livestock can be imported, focusing on cattle and bison from specific Mexican states, while horses will be subject to quarantine requirements.
In the realm of transportation, effective management of cross-border livestock trade is crucial not only for maintaining domestic supplies but also for ensuring biosecurity. The phased reopening reflects a careful balancing act between facilitating trade and safeguarding animal health. As the process unfolds, it is essential that all stakeholders, particularly those involved in livestock transport, remain vigilant and compliant with health protocols to prevent a recurrence of such outbreaks.
To combat the screwworm, the USDA has implemented measures such as releasing over 100 million sterile flies weekly to mitigate the population growth of the pest. Plans are also in place for a new facility in South Texas aimed at producing up to 300 million sterile flies per week, while Mexico will enhance its infrastructure for sterile fly production by next year. Strict protocols will dictate which livestock can be imported, focusing on cattle and bison from specific Mexican states, while horses will be subject to quarantine requirements.
In the realm of transportation, effective management of cross-border livestock trade is crucial not only for maintaining domestic supplies but also for ensuring biosecurity. The phased reopening reflects a careful balancing act between facilitating trade and safeguarding animal health. As the process unfolds, it is essential that all stakeholders, particularly those involved in livestock transport, remain vigilant and compliant with health protocols to prevent a recurrence of such outbreaks.
Vehicle Guru