Background on the Gusano Barrenador Pest
The Gusano Barrenador, a cattle pest previously eradicated in Mexico, has reappeared after being detected in Panama in June 2023. The Mexican federal government activated a national emergency device to contain its spread, as announced by Julio Berdegué, head of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader).
Blame on the United States
Berdegué stated that the responsibility for controlling this pest lay with the United States, as they operate the only facility in the region to produce sterile flies needed for combating the pest. He mentioned that control over this situation had slipped from their grasp.
Progress and Collaboration
During a conference on May 13, presided over by Claudia Sheinbaum, Berdegué explained that the parasite traveled over 3,700 kilometers from Panama to Mexico’s southern border, where it was detected on November 24, 2024, thanks to a previously established monitoring system.
Since its appearance in Panama, President López Obrador ordered reinforced inspection measures at airports and customs. In July 2024, the national emergency device was activated, granting special attributes to Senasica and Sader.
Mexico has been working in coordination with the USDA, which operates the only facility on the continent for producing sterile flies—the primary tool against the Gusano Barrenador.
Berdegué mentioned that almost all Mexican livestock producers have been trained and informed, as well as veterinarians. Sterile fly distribution has begun to increase, with 100 million flies now being dispersed weekly in priority zones identified by mutual agreement with the US authorities.
Impact on Exports
Despite bilateral efforts, US authorities informed Mexico of a temporary suspension of live cattle exports on May 10. After negotiations, a 15-day period was agreed upon for Mexico to strengthen its sanitary strategy.
Berdegué acknowledged the economic impact on national livestock producers, but clarified that the cattle wouldn’t be lost; they would merely be exported once trade resumes.
Reinforced Measures in the South
In collaboration with state governments and livestock associations, Sader implemented an operation to inspect 100% of ranches in a zone stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific, near Veracruz, Oaxaca, and southern Guerrero.
Berdegué stated that a comprehensive sweep would be conducted, inspecting all ranches while maintaining daily meetings with US health authorities.
To date, over 4,400 veterinary clinics, inspectors, and livestock producers have been trained nationwide. In affected areas, 20-40 km sanitary cordons have been established with continuous epidemiological surveillance.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Julio Berdegué? Julio Berdegué is the head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader).
- What is the Gusano Barrenador? The Gusano Barrenador is a cattle pest that was previously eradicated in Mexico but has reappeared after being detected in Panama.
- Why is the US blamed? The US is blamed because they operate the only facility in the region to produce sterile flies needed for combating the pest, and control over this situation had slipped from their grasp.
- What is the impact on Mexican exports? US authorities temporarily suspended live cattle exports to Mexico due to the pest issue, though negotiations led to a 15-day period for Mexico to strengthen its sanitary strategy.
- What measures are being taken in Mexico? Measures include comprehensive ranch inspections, training of veterinarians and livestock producers, and the distribution of sterile flies. Collaboration with USDA is also ongoing.
