Background on Key Figures and Context
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, met with Brooke Rollins, the Secretary of Agriculture for the United States (USDA), at Mexico’s National Palace to address various agricultural challenges faced by both nations, including the spread of the cattle gadfly.
Earlier in the day, Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), met with Rollins to review progress on the joint campaign against the cattle gadfly and discuss actions that could lead to the resumption of Mexican meat exports to the US.
The Gadfly Crisis and its Impact
In July, the US government closed its doors to Mexican cattle exports due to a gadfly outbreak, a move that Sheinbaum described as “exaggerated” at the time. The suspension occurred amidst heightened tensions between the two neighbors over issues like immigration, security, and tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration.
To curb the spread of this parasitic larva that feeds on live mammalian flesh, ranchers have been administering ivermectin (an antiparasitic medication) to infected livestock, while authorities distribute sterile flies to reduce gadfly populations in affected areas by decreasing larval reproduction.
However, a late-September gadfly case in Nuevo León, near the US border, reignited concerns among authorities from both countries.
Collaborative Efforts and Key Discussions
During the meeting between Berdegué and Rollins at Mexico City’s National Service of Health, Sanitary and Food Quality (SENASICA), they discussed priorities and challenges in agricultural health, trade, and cooperation between the two countries.
Berdegué emphasized the importance of bilateral collaboration in sanitation and epidemiological intelligence, particularly regarding transboundary threats that could impact the livestock production in both nations.
“Secretary Berdegué and Secretary Rollins discussed priorities and opportunities for agri-food trade between Mexico and the US, agreeing that it is a driving force for both countries’ economies while ensuring industries and consumers access to high-quality, safe, and affordable insumos and products,” SADER explained in a statement.
Trade Figures and Historical Context
In 2024, Mexico exported over a million heads of cattle to the US, according to official figures. Trade was briefly suspended that year due to the same gadfly concern.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures involved in this discussion? Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico; Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture for the United States; Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development.
- What is the main topic of discussion? Agricultural challenges, including the spread of the cattle gadfly, and potential resumption of Mexican meat exports to the US.
- What actions have been taken to address the gadfly issue? Ranchers are using ivermectin on infected livestock, and authorities distribute sterile flies to reduce gadfly populations.
- Why was US-Mexico cattle trade suspended in 2024? Due to a gadfly outbreak, which led to the temporary closure of Mexican cattle exports to the US.
- What is the significance of this collaboration between Mexico and the US? It aims to ensure high-quality, safe, and affordable insumos and products for industries and consumers while fostering economic growth in both nations.
