Agricultural Secretary Rollins to Mexico: Stop worm spread or lose animal trade
To protect the dramatic moves of the U.S. cattle industry, agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins warned Mexico that the U.S. would stop importing live animals (including cattle and bison) if Mexico does not step up its efforts to combat dangerous pests.
Secretary Rollins immediately notified the Mexican government in a letter sent and received by Fox News on Saturday to fight the spread of New World Screwworms or the serious economic consequences of the border.
The USDA has set a solid deadline for Mexico to resolve the growing crisis, otherwise U.S. entry would slam the major animal goods.
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“If these issues are not resolved by Wednesday, April 30, the USDA will restrict the import of animal goods, which are composed of live cattle, bison and horses, which are derived from or transported to Mexico to protect the interests of the U.S. agricultural industry,” Rollins wrote.
New World Screwworm is a meat-eating fly whose larvae can reduce livestock populations and spread rapidly from Central America to southern Mexico. USDA officials have long relied on a sophisticated Sterile Insect Technology (SIT) program that uses specially equipped aircraft to release sterile flies to control deadly pests. But this strategy is at risk now.
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Brooke Rollins held a hearing on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on January 23 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The core of the conflict is dynamic aviation, which is the carrier undertaken by the U.S. government, responsible for air flights. According to the letter, Mexican aviation authorities restricted Dynamic's operations to a 60-day license that is only six days a week, and USDA's move undermined the urgent, 24/7 response needed to stop the progress of screwworms.
Even more disturbing, Rollins said, is that Mexican customs officials are imposing substantial import duties on key supplies such as sterile flies, aviation parts and dispersed equipment, all fully funded by U.S. taxpayers to benefit both countries. These delays are expensive and threaten to weaken movement when speed is most important.
A bird's eye view from the Chihuahua Regional Livestock Alliance's Chihuahua Regional Livestock Alliance's pen on November 27, 2024 at the Jeronimo-Santa Teresa border crossing in the city of Juarez, Mexico. (Christian Torres/Anadolu via Getty Image)
Rollins asked Mexico to take immediate action, including long-term operational licensing for dynamic aviation, full waivers for all emergency materials, and the appointment of high-level contacts for Rapid Orbit Solutions.
Rollins warns that losing every day gives screwworms a greater foothold and risk destroying American ranchers and the wider agricultural economy.
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To save the cooperation, Rollins also proposed an emergency U.S. Mexico summit with government leaders, technologists and operational partners to get back on track.
Washington’s message is clear: Mexico has to move, yet quickly – facing tough new trade restrictions aimed at protecting U.S. food supplies and agricultural communities.