A New World screwworm infestation was confirmed in a horse in Grant County, New Mexico, marking the state's second case since the parasite reappeared in the U.S. in June. This development occurs as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prepares to reopen the Santa Teresa port of entry to Mexican livestock imports next week. The port, a significant entry point for American cattle imports, had been closed for over a year due to concerns about screwworm spread, impacting U.S. cattle supplies and contributing to high beef prices.
The Santa Teresa port is crucial for U.S. livestock trade, handling approximately 40% of total U.S. cattle imports from Mexico, with nearly 500,000 cattle shipped through it in 2024. The reopening is part of the Trump administration's efforts to ease domestic cattle shortages and reduce beef costs for consumers. Despite the new case, New Mexico state veterinarian Dr. Samantha Holeck stated that the Grant County infestation is not expected to delay the port's reopening. Officials are investigating the origin of this particular infestation, given the horse's remote location.
Federal agriculture officials have identified 50 New World screwworm infestations in the U.S. since June, including the recent New Mexico case and two active cases in Texas. Across the border, Mexican states like Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas have reported dozens of active cases. In response, the USDA has increased efforts to breed and disperse sterile screwworm flies, a key method for controlling the pest, with new facilities being established near the southern tip of Texas.
