Mexican President Criticizes US Border Closure for Livestock

Mexican President Claudia Sinbaum has voiced her discontent with the US government’s recent decision to close the cattle border from Mexico. This announcement came after the US Secretary of Agriculture cited concerns over the ongoing spread of New World screwworms, which can pose serious risks to both livestock and human health.

During a press conference, Sinbaum expressed that the border closure was an “exaggerated” measure. She emphasized that this decision seemed unwarranted from her point of view.

Earlier this week, US Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins stated that all livestock crossings from Mexico would be halted following new reports of screwworm infections discovered just 350 miles from the US-Mexico border. Rollins stated that the goal of the closure is to “quarantine and target this deadly pest in Mexico,” mentioning the need for further progress in combating the insects before livestock ports can reopen.

In his announcement, Rollins noted that Mexico has a responsibility to ensure aggressive actions are taken to control the spread of screwworms.

This is not the first time the US has restricted livestock imports due to screwworm concerns. A previous halt was issued in May 2025, but trade was on the verge of resuming when health officials detected a new case 160 miles north of a designated buffer zone, where sterile flies are released to prevent the insect’s spread. These screws can be transmitted by flies and can even be fatal to humans.

Sinbaum defended her country’s efforts, arguing that Mexican officials have been doing everything “scientifically possible” to combat the outbreak.

In the past, with US assistance, Mexico effectively eradicated screw worms in the 1990s, with the last major outbreak recorded in 1993. However, issues like corruption among officials who allowed cattle smuggling have complicated efforts, leading to renewed concerns as US authorities intensified their restrictions in 2024.