Mexico Imposes Barriers to US Efforts Against Cattle Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Export Restrictions Threatened for Mexican Beef Exports Starting May

Background on Key Figures and Relevance

Brook Rollins, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary, has raised concerns over Mexico’s obstacles to aerial operations aimed at eradicating the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) plague affecting Mexican cattle. This issue is crucial as FMD poses a significant threat to the livestock industry in both countries. Julio Berdegué, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), is the counterpart who has been addressed regarding these concerns.

USDA’s Grievances Against Mexican Government

Delayed Permits for Aerial Operations:

• Mexico has restricted Dynamic Aviation, under a USDA contract, to operate for only 60 days at a time through an agreement with Mugarqui, a Mexican company.
• This limited permit does not provide the necessary assurance for ongoing operations, according to Rollins.

Limited Flight Days:

• Mexican authorities have further restricted Dynamic Aviation to fly only six days a week, whereas the operation’s success requires seven days.

Import Tariffs on Critical Components:

• Mexican customs have imposed taxes on crucial aircraft parts, aerial dispersal equipment, and shipments of sterile insects used to control FMD populations.

These delays and costs not only disrupt operations but also jeopardize timely aerial actions when swift intervention is most critical, as stated by Brook Rollins.

USDA’s Requests to Mexican Authorities

1. Coordination with Mexican Federal Entities: The USDA requests collaboration with the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), the Tax Administration Service (SAT), and other relevant Mexican federal entities to grant Dynamic Aviation operational authorization for at least one year, with an indefinite permit being ideal.
2. Full Import Duty Exemption: The USDA seeks complete import duty exemptions for all aircraft components related to pest control operations, sterile insects, and all equipment being provided for the FMD eradication campaign.
3. Designation of a High-Level Contact: The USDA proposes that Mexico designate a high-level contact who will work directly with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to “urgently eliminate any remaining bureaucratic and regulatory obstacles.”

If these issues are not resolved by April 30, the USDA will restrict the importation of live animal products (including beef, bison, and equine) originating or transiting from Mexico to safeguard the US agricultural and livestock interests.

USDA’s Proposal for Collaborative Strategy Meeting

The USDA has suggested a strategic meeting between the US and Mexican governments, technical experts, and operational partners to align efforts and ensure a coordinated and sustained response against the FMD plague.

Mexico’s Response

Julio Berdegué, Mexico’s SADER head, acknowledged receiving Brook Rollins’ letter regarding the FMD issue. He emphasized Mexico’s commitment to collaboration and cooperation without subordination, expressing confidence in reaching beneficial agreements.

Key Questions and Answers

• What is the issue? The Mexican government’s restrictions on US aerial operations to combat foot-and-mouth disease in cattle threaten export restrictions on Mexican beef starting May.
• Who are the key figures? Brook Rollins, USDA Secretary, and Julio Berdegué, Mexico’s SADER head, are central to this dispute.
• What are the USDA’s concerns? The USDA is concerned about delayed permits, limited flight days, and import tariffs on critical components affecting aerial operations against FMD.
• What are the USDA’s requests? The USDA seeks extended permits, full import duty exemptions, and a high-level contact for swift resolution of bureaucratic obstacles.
• What happens if issues aren’t resolved? The USDA will restrict live animal product imports from Mexico to protect US agricultural interests.
• What is the USDA’s proposal? The USDA proposes a strategic meeting between both countries, experts, and operational partners to ensure a coordinated response against FMD.