The U.S. has again closed its southern border to livestock imports due to an infestation of the New World screwworm fly detected further north in Mexico. The parasite poses a threat to the U.S. beef industry by laying eggs in wounds on animals, with larvae that feed on live flesh. The closure follows a previous plan to reopen ports for imports of cattle, but new cases reported near Mexico City prompted reassessment. U.S. officials are determined to prevent the fly from reaching Texas, recalling the economic impact from a similar infestation in the 1970s.
The U.S. has closed its southern border to livestock imports due to a flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm fly, moving further north in Mexico.
American officials fear the arrival of the New World screwworm fly could result in large economic losses, reminiscent of past infestations dealt with in the 1970s.
The New World screwworm fly lays eggs in wounds on animals, where larvae feed on live flesh and fluids, posing a significant threat to livestock.
After initially planning to reopen ports for cattle imports, the U.S. is now maintaining strict measures as an infestation of the fly was reported.
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