On Sunday, Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins declared that the United States will halt livestock imports at ports along the tropical border, reacting to the ongoing spread of Mexico’s “New World Screwworm” (NWS).
This decision follows the detection of the NWS on isolated farms located north of Oaxaca and Veracruz, approximately 700 miles from the US border.
Rollins stressed that this measure “is not about Mexican politics or punishment, but rather about food and animal safety.”
“I’ve been collaborating closely with [Mexican Agriculture and Rural Development] Chief Berdegué on the NWS response. It’s my responsibility to take every possible action to safeguard the US livestock sector from this destructive pest,” Rollins stated.
“Protecting our animals and ensuring the security of our food supply are critical national security matters. We hope to maintain open borders for livestock trade as we see enhancements in surveillance and eradication efforts, which yield positive outcomes,” he added.
The ban on imports will remain in effect monthly “until a critical window of containment is achieved.” This restriction affects livestock that originates in or moves through Mexico.
Rollins has committed to working closely with Mexican officials to eliminate the NWS. He mentioned being involved in daily discussions on how to continue improving eradication strategies.
As per the USDA, the NWS was previously eradicated in both the US and Mexico. The first recent case emerged in Mexico in November 2024, prompting the USDA to close borders for live animal trade. Imports resumed in February 2025 but were subject to a “Comprehensive Pre-Clearance Testing and Treatment Protocol.”
