Mexico’s Response to US Concerns Over Cattle Fever Tick
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, confirmed on Monday, April 28th, that her government responded to a letter from the US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, expressing concern about the spread of the cattle fever tick in Mexican territory.
Background on the Cattle Fever Tick
The cattle fever tick, scientifically known as Haematobia irritans, is a parasitic tick that can cause significant economic losses in the cattle industry. The tick transmits a disease called “Texas Cattle Fever,” which affects cattle in North America. The tick’s larvae can attach to cattle and transmit the disease, leading to fever, anemia, and even death in severe cases.
Mexico’s Proactive Measures
President Sheinbaum highlighted that Mexico is taking responsible action by reinforcing existing control systems and working from the southern border to prevent the tick’s expansion. The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), led by Julio Berdegué, drafted a response outlining Mexico’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
“From the very beginning of this disease, we have had many control systems in place in Mexico, but now we are reinforcing them from the southern border to prevent its spread throughout the country.”
US Demands and Mexico’s Stance
The US official’s letter requested three specific measures: removing tariffs on aircraft parts and sterile flies, appointing a high-level liaison with the USDA, and authorizing Dynamic Aviation to conduct spraying flights for at least a year. President Sheinbaum stated that reasonable and cooperative actions are being addressed, but emphasized that excessive demands will not be accepted.
“We collaborate, we cooperate, but we do not submit. This is clear in all our foreign relations,” she asserted.
SADER’s Commitment to Collaboration
Julio Berdegué, the head of SADER, expressed his commitment to dialogue and collaboration with the US to eradicate the cattle fever tick. He expressed confidence in reaching mutually beneficial agreements for both countries.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the cattle fever tick? The cattle fever tick, scientifically known as Haematobia irritans, is a parasitic tick that transmits the Texas Cattle Fever disease, affecting cattle in North America.
- Why is Mexico concerned about the cattle fever tick? The spread of the cattle fever tick poses a significant threat to Mexico’s cattle industry, potentially causing substantial economic losses.
- What measures has Mexico taken to address the issue? Mexico has reinforced existing control systems and is working from the southern border to prevent the tick’s expansion. The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) has outlined Mexico’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
- What demands did the US make regarding the cattle fever tick? The US requested removing tariffs on aircraft parts and sterile flies, appointing a high-level liaison with the USDA, and authorizing Dynamic Aviation to conduct spraying flights for at least a year.
- How has Mexico responded to these demands? Mexico has agreed to reasonable and cooperative actions but will not accept excessive demands, emphasizing that it collaborates without submitting to external control.
