The United States may impose restrictions on livestock imports from Mexico due to concerns over screwworm infestations, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official said on April 26, 2025.

Screwworms, parasitic fly larvae that feed on living tissue, pose a significant threat to livestock and can cause severe economic losses.

According to Reuters, he official noted that recent detections of screwworm in Mexican cattle near the U.S. border have raised alarms.

While no cases have been reported in the U.S., the USDA is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Mexican authorities to prevent the pest’s spread.

Restrictions could include enhanced inspections, quarantine measures, or temporary bans on certain livestock imports.

Mexico, a major supplier of cattle to the U.S., exported approximately 1.2 million head in 2024, according to industry data.

Any import curbs could disrupt trade and affect markets on both sides of the border. The USDA emphasized that it is working to balance trade relations with the need to protect U.S. agriculture.

Screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. decades ago through a sterilization program, but it remains a challenge in parts of Central and South America.

The USDA urged ranchers to stay vigilant and report any suspicious livestock symptoms to authorities.