Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mexico Confirms First Screwworm Case in Tamaulipas as Active Infections Reach 698

The detection in a key cattle‑exporting border state complicates prospects for reopening U.S. cattle trade.

Overview

  • Mexico’s animal-health authority recorded 698 active Gusano Barrenador del Ganado cases as of December 29, with 409 in cattle and concentrations in Oaxaca (168), Veracruz (147), Yucatán (137) and Chiapas (130).
  • SENASICA confirmed the first case in Tamaulipas, a newborn calf infected via an umbilical wound, marking the most northern detection and roughly 306 kilometers from McAllen, Texas.
  • The Group for Agricultural Market Consulting warned the Tamaulipas case could delay the resumption of U.S. imports of Mexican cattle, which have been restricted since May.
  • Authorities report dispersing about 4 billion sterile flies this year and say a renovated Metapa, Chiapas facility is slated to begin producing up to 100 million sterile flies per week in the first half of 2026.
  • Mexico estimates 700,880 head of live cattle were not exported to the U.S., representing roughly $642 million in losses, while the USDA has announced $21 million to upgrade sterile-fly production capacity.