Background on the Situation
The United States Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, announced a temporary halt to the importation of live cattle, horses, and bison across the US-Mexico border due to the threat posed by the Gusano Barrenador del Nuevo Mundo, or New World Cattle Kaleidoscope Worm.
The Impact of the Gusano Barrenador
Rollins emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that “the last time this devastating plague invaded the US, our livestock industry took 30 years to recover. This cannot happen again.”
Mexico’s Response and Collaboration Efforts
Julio Berdegué, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), acknowledged the US decision after being notified by his counterpart. Although Berdegué did not support the measure, he expressed hope for a swift resolution.
We do not agree with this measure, but we trust that it will take less time to reach an agreement. I will continue to inform.
— Julio Berdegué (@JulioBerdegue) May 11, 2025
In April, Berdegué had assured the public that Mexico would collaborate to eradicate the Gusano Barrenador from livestock following warnings from the US about potential import restrictions if the issue wasn’t addressed promptly.
This response came after US Secretary Rollins expressed concern over the limited operation of fumigating flights in Mexico, which had been reduced to six days instead of the required seven.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Gusano Barrenador del Nuevo Mundo? The Gusano Barrenador del Nuevo Mundo, or New World Cattle Kaleidoscope Worm, is a parasitic worm that poses a significant threat to livestock in the Americas.
- Why did the US suspend imports from Mexico? The United States suspended live animal imports from Mexico due to concerns about the Gusano Barrenador del Nuevo Mundo and the limited fumigating flight operations in Mexico.
- How has Mexico responded to the situation? Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué, acknowledged the US decision and expressed hope for a swift resolution while assuring collaboration to eradicate the Gusano Barrenador.
Context and Implications
The Gusano Barrenador del Nuevo Mundo, or New World Cattle Kaleidoscope Worm, is a significant concern for both US and Mexican authorities due to its potential to devastate livestock industries. The worm, native to the Americas, can cause severe health issues and even death in cattle, horses, and bison.
Brooke Rollins, the US Secretary of Agriculture, highlighted the long-term consequences of previous outbreaks, emphasizing that a similar situation must be prevented. The temporary suspension of live animal imports from Mexico aims to protect US livestock while the Gusano Barrenador issue is addressed.
Julio Berdegué, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, acknowledged the US decision and expressed hope for a swift resolution. Mexico has committed to collaborating with the US to eradicate the Gusano Barrenador, following warnings from the US about potential import restrictions if the issue wasn’t addressed promptly.
The concern stems from the limited operation of fumigating flights in Mexico, which had been reduced to six days instead of the required seven. This reduction poses a risk for controlling the spread of the Gusano Barrenador, prompting the US to take immediate action.
