Background on the Issue
Mexico recently announced the commencement of work in the southern part of the country on a joint project with the United States to upgrade a facility for producing sterile insects that target the cattle gadfly, a pest affecting Mexico’s live cattle exports to its trading partner.
The Cattle Gadfly Pest
The cattle gadfly, or warble fly, is a significant concern for both Mexican and U.S. producers and governments due to its ability to infest livestock and wildlife, transmitting larvae that cause severe damage or even death to live animals. This pest has led to alarm and restrictions on cattle imports between the two nations.
Project Details
Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture reported that the plant, with a joint investment of $51 million from both countries, will produce 100 million sterile cattle gadfly once completed in the first half of 2026.
USDA’s Gradual Reopening of Cattle Imports
In late June, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a phased reopening of beef, bison, and horse imports from Mexico following a prolonged closure due to the cattle gadfly infestation.
The ports will reopen in stages starting July 7, with Douglas, Arizona, being the lowest-risk entry point due to its location and long history of effective collaboration between Sonora authorities and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the cattle gadfly? The cattle gadfly, or warble fly, is a parasite that infests livestock and wildlife, transmitting larvae that cause severe damage or death to live animals.
- Why is this an issue for Mexico and the U.S.? The cattle gadfly infestation has led to restrictions on live cattle exports from Mexico to the U.S., affecting both countries’ agricultural industries.
- What is the joint project between Mexico and the U.S.? The project aims to upgrade a facility in southern Mexico for producing sterile cattle gadfly, which will help control the pest and eventually resume normal cattle trade.
- When will the upgraded plant be ready? The plant is expected to be operational in the first half of 2026, producing 100 million sterile cattle gadfly per week.
- How will cattle imports from Mexico be reopened? The USDA will gradually reopen ports of entry, starting with Douglas, Arizona, due to its low risk and history of effective collaboration between authorities.
