Mexico slams US border closure over screwworm outbreak, calls ban on cattle imports ‘exaggerated’
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has openly criticised the United States government’s reimposition of a ban on cattle imports from Mexico, describing the move as excessive and economically damaging.
Her remarks came during a press conference on Thursday, following confirmation of a recent case of New World screwworm detected in the Mexican state of Veracruz.
“From our point of view, they took a completely exaggerated decision in closing the border,” Sheinbaum said, reacting to Washington’s swift move to halt live animal imports.
The ban, announced late Wednesday by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, involves an immediate suspension of all cattle, horse, and bison imports through southern border ports.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, described the action as a necessary precaution to prevent the reintroduction of the screwworm pest, a dangerous parasitic fly eradicated from U.S. territory over four decades ago.
This latest development adds fresh strain to cross-border trade relations, particularly in the livestock industry, where producers rely heavily on fluid commerce between both countries.
According to the USDA, the screwworm outbreak presents a threat to biosecurity and animal health, prompting the border closure to prevent the pest from spreading north.
While the U.S. frames the decision as a science-driven protective measure, Mexican officials are expressing frustration and warning of the economic fallout.
This is not the first time such biosecurity measures have disrupted cattle trade. A similar incident in late 2024 led to a temporary closure of key ports such as Douglas, Arizona.
Those restrictions were lifted only after coordinated pest containment efforts and increased surveillance by Mexican authorities.
Now, with another case emerging, Mexico argues the U.S. reaction is disproportionate.
Authorities in Mexico insist the infection has been contained and say they are collaborating closely with international veterinary organisations to prevent further spread.
President Sheinbaum urged for level-headed dialogue and stated the need for cooperation rooted in science rather than politics.
“We cannot allow isolated incidents to lead to decisions that harm thousands of producers and disrupt long-standing trade relations,” she added.
The USDA has yet to announce a timeline or specific conditions under which the border may reopen.
Mexico slams US border closure over screwworm outbreak, calls ban on cattle imports ‘exaggerated’
