Mexico: A year without cattle export leaves behind multimillion-dollar losses

A year after the closure of the United States border for the export of live cattle, the economic effects far exceed those recorded during the screwworm outbreak of 1984. The trade blockade began on November 19, 2024, after Mexican health authorities notified the detection of the parasite in a heifer from Guatemala, in the state of Chiapas. Following that discovery, the United States suspended the passage of cattle into its territory. The closure extended until February, during which both countries worked on agreements and strengthened health surveillance. The border reopened partially under strict controls: exporters had to schedule appointments for each batch of animals to be reviewed by specialists. However, the calm was short-lived. By May, new outbreaks of the screwworm were identified in Veracruz, indicating that containment in the south had not been sufficient. The border was closed again and, although the passage was temporarily allowed to some states, it has since remained ...