This week’s border buzz isn’t about people. It’s about cows—and one nasty little parasite.
The U.S. just paused cattle imports from Mexico. The freeze will last 15 days. The reason? A flesh-eating pest called the New World screwworm.
The worm showed up in Chiapas and Veracruz. Those states aren’t major cattle exporters. Still, the U.S. didn’t want to risk it.
So, they shut the gates—fast.
That didn’t sit well with Mexico. President Sheinbaum fired back. “Mexico is no one’s piñata,” she said. Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Julio Berdegué called out the lack of warning. After all, both countries have protocols for this.
Despite the drama, both sides are working together. Mexico jumped into action. Officials started releasing sterile flies to stop the worms from spreading. Weird, yes—but also effective.
The USDA admitted the effort is solid. They’re staying in touch with Mexican authorities. That’s a good sign.
But ranchers are nervous. Mexico sends over $1 billion in cattle to the U.S. each year. Even a short delay can cause headaches. On the U.S. side, buyers are watching closely too.
Nobody wants worms crossing the border. But nobody wants to lose business either.
🐄 So, what do you think? Smart move or overreaction? Send us your thoughts—we’re always listening.
Here’s an explication about the “gusano barrenador” Screwworm
The image titled “¡Cuidado con el Gusano Barrenador!” (Beware of the Screwworm!) provides information in Spanish about the New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, and its life cycle. It warns about the dangers of screwworm infestation, where some fly species deposit their eggs in superficial wounds of mammals. The larva is described as resembling a small screw with rings of spines and hooks for tearing tissues. It affects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, with cattle, horses, goats, pigs, dogs, cats, birds, and deer being more susceptible, usually in open wounds. In people, infestations require hospitalization. The life cycle includes oviposition where the female fly lays up to 3,000 eggs in three days, the larval phase where the larvae hatch and feed on living tissue, the pupal phase in the soil, and finally the adult that emerges in 7 to 10 days and can fly long distances. If animals do not receive treatment, they can die within one to two weeks. The image also highlights that it is a zoonosis, emphasizing the need for extreme precautions for its control. In summary, the infographic alerts about the screwworm, details its life cycle, identifies hosts, describes the effects, and underscores its zoonotic nature and the importance of control.
Read more: Cows on Hold, But Cooperation Rides Strong
