Fact Check: USDA suspends cattle imports from Mexico due to screwworm threat.

Fact Check: USDA Suspends Cattle Imports from Mexico Due to Screwworm Threat

What We Know

On May 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the suspension of imports of live cattle, horses, and bison from Mexico due to the rapid northward spread of the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly that poses a significant threat to livestock health and has been linked to sporadic human infections (USDA suspends southern border livestock imports over New World ...). The USDA's decision was made in response to recent detections of NWS in Mexico, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz, which are approximately 700 miles from the U.S. border (Screwworm threat halts cattle imports from Mexico).

The NWS, scientifically known as Cochliomyia hominivora, is notorious for causing myiasis, where larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals, leading to severe damage or death (USDA suspends southern border livestock imports over New World ...). The USDA has previously collaborated with Panama to control the spread of this pest, which had been eradicated in the U.S. since the 1970s but has seen a resurgence in Central America (Screwworm threat halts cattle imports from Mexico).

Analysis

The USDA's announcement is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including USDA press releases and agricultural extension services. The decision to suspend imports is based on scientific assessments of the threat posed by the NWS, which has shown a concerning increase in its range (Secretary Rollins Suspends Live Animal Imports Through ...). The USDA's actions are framed as necessary for protecting both animal health and the broader food supply, emphasizing that this is not a political move but a public health precaution (Screwworm threat halts cattle imports from Mexico).

Critics of the suspension, including Mexican officials, have described the decision as "unfair," suggesting it may have economic implications for Mexican cattle producers (Mexico says US suspension of beef imports because of screwworm is ...). However, the USDA's primary concern remains the health risks associated with the NWS, which has been confirmed to have affected both livestock and humans in recent months (New World Screwworm Outbreak in Central America).

The sources used in this fact-check are credible, including government announcements and academic institutions, which lend weight to the USDA's claims. The information is consistent across various reports, indicating a well-documented threat from the NWS.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the USDA has suspended cattle imports from Mexico due to the threat posed by the New World screwworm is accurate. The USDA's decision is based on the observed spread of this pest and its potential impact on livestock and public health. The sources cited provide a clear and consistent narrative supporting the USDA's actions as a necessary precaution to protect U.S. agriculture and food safety.

Fact Check: USDA suspends cattle imports from Mexico due to screwworm threat.