The National Association of Federal Inspection Type Establishments (ANETIF) warned that the temporary suspension of Mexican cattle imports by the United States due to the screwworm could reduce the availability of beef, impacting both the domestic market and exports. However, it noted that this situation could also benefit producers and marketers of other proteins, such as pork and chicken, given the possible shortage of beef.
ANETIF requested a meeting with the National Service for Health, Safety and Agri-Food Quality (Senasica) to obtain detailed information on the situation of the screwworm and collaborate on control strategies. In addition, the association will call an urgent meeting with its members to analyze the problem and propose joint actions with Senasica, while intensifying support for its more than 20 beef producer and marketer partners.
Alonso Fernández Flores, president of ANETIF, highlighted that preventive measures have been implemented, such as the reinforcement of biosecurity in ranches and establishments, the creation of continuous inspection protocols and participation in monitoring and control campaigns led by the authorities.
On November 24, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) confirmed a case of screwworm in Catazajá, Chiapas, in a shipment from abroad. In response to this, containment and eradication measures were activated to prevent its spread.
As a precautionary measure, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) temporarily suspended the import of live animals from or in transit through Mexico. This decision directly affects the main export market for Mexican meat: in 2023, Mexico exported 258,940 tons of beef to the United States, generating revenues of 1.85 billion dollars.
Sader explained that the screwworm, caused by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax, feeds on the living tissue of cattle, damaging their health. Since 1991, Mexico has maintained its status as a country free of this pest thanks to the actions of Senasica.
