Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the Trump administration’s decision to suspend imports of Mexican beef cattle for 15 days after the discovery of screwworm in shipments. She called the measure “unfair” and expressed concern about the economic impact it could have on Mexico, especially after months of efforts to mitigate potential tariff threats from the U.S. President.
At a press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico had been addressing the screwworm issue since it was first detected. The U.S. had initially imposed restrictions on Mexican cattle in late November after the pest was found, but lifted the ban in February once protocols were established to inspect the cattle before entering the country. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that there had been an “unacceptable northward advancement” of the screwworm, prompting the new suspension.
The screwworm is a parasitic larvae of the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly that can infest the tissues of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It causes severe damage and lesions when it burrows into the skin. Mexico’s Health Ministry issued a warning this month after confirming the first human case of screwworm myiasis, a parasitic infection, in a 77-year-old woman from Chiapas on April 17.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned that the screwworm infestation could have devastating long-term effects on the livestock industry, citing the 30-year recovery time after a previous infestation.
