LUBBOCK, TX – U.S. livestock trade through southern ports of entry is once again suspended after Mexican authorities confirmed a new case of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Veracruz, just 370 miles from the U.S. border. The detection is the latest in a series of northward NWS findings and undermines earlier port reopening plans from USDA.
The phased plan, which was set to begin July 7, aimed to reopen five ports by mid-September. That timeline is now paused to allow for additional quarantine and control efforts in affected regions of Mexico. The initial port closures went into effect on May 11 following previous NWS detection.
USDA’s strategy includes strengthening sterile fly dispersal operations and expanding domestic capacity. A new dispersal facility is under construction in South Texas, and design work is underway for a U.S.-based sterile fly production facility.
The agency says Mexico must improve surveillance and containment efforts before border livestock trade resumes. USDA will continue on-site evaluations to ensure compliance.