USDA halts livestock at the border—but the real threat might be much smaller
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At first glance, it seemed like a routine regulatory update—one of those quietly issued federal directives most Americans might never hear about.
But this week’s sudden move by the US Department of Agriculture to halt all live livestock imports from the southern border is sounding alarms far beyond ranchland.
The reason? A centuries-old pest with a reputation for gruesome damage and catastrophic consequences may be inching dangerously close to US soil again.
The culprit isn’t an illegal shipment or a tainted vaccine—it’s the New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the living tissue of animals.
These maggots cause horrific wounds, intense suffering, and, if left untreated, death.
Screwworms once plagued southern states until a decades-long eradication effort wiped them out in the 1960s. Now, that peace may be shattered.
Recent detections in Mexico’s Oaxaca and Veracruz regions have brought the pest within just 700 miles of Texas. That’s too close for comfort, and the USDA isn’t waiting for it to cross the border.
In response, the USDA has suspended all imports of live cattle, horses, and bison through ports along the southern border.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins called the move “A national security issue of the utmost importance,” emphasizing that the decision was driven purely by animal health, not politics.
Also read: Are you exposing yourself to deadly pathogens? Shocking warning about this common home appliance
This isn’t the first brush with the screwworm in recent years. A 2016 outbreak in Florida led to over 100 animal euthanizations and a major containment effort.
With billions of dollars and the nation’s food supply on the line, the USDA isn’t taking any chances.
Efforts are now focused on three key tactics: stepped-up field surveillance, sterile male fly releases to disrupt breeding cycles, and tight control of animal movement in high-risk areas.
“Tick Riders”—special agents on horseback—are already monitoring ranches and wildlife along the border for signs of infestation.
The USDA will reevaluate the ban monthly and continues to work with Mexican officials to track and contain the spread.
Meanwhile, livestock already in US holding facilities will be closely inspected and treated before release.
Read next: Protect your home’s value: The “disgusting” invader causing chaos to West Coast forests
Do you live near the southern border? Are you a rancher or farmer already dealing with the fallout from this USDA decision? Have you seen the impact of screwworms firsthand—or remember the last outbreak? Drop your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
But this week’s sudden move by the US Department of Agriculture to halt all live livestock imports from the southern border is sounding alarms far beyond ranchland.
The reason? A centuries-old pest with a reputation for gruesome damage and catastrophic consequences may be inching dangerously close to US soil again.
The culprit isn’t an illegal shipment or a tainted vaccine—it’s the New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the living tissue of animals.
These maggots cause horrific wounds, intense suffering, and, if left untreated, death.
Screwworms once plagued southern states until a decades-long eradication effort wiped them out in the 1960s. Now, that peace may be shattered.
A centuries-old pest with a reputation for gruesome damage and catastrophic consequences may be inching dangerously close to US soil again. Image source: NewsNation / YouTube
Recent detections in Mexico’s Oaxaca and Veracruz regions have brought the pest within just 700 miles of Texas. That’s too close for comfort, and the USDA isn’t waiting for it to cross the border.
In response, the USDA has suspended all imports of live cattle, horses, and bison through ports along the southern border.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins called the move “A national security issue of the utmost importance,” emphasizing that the decision was driven purely by animal health, not politics.
Also read: Are you exposing yourself to deadly pathogens? Shocking warning about this common home appliance
This isn’t the first brush with the screwworm in recent years. A 2016 outbreak in Florida led to over 100 animal euthanizations and a major containment effort.
With billions of dollars and the nation’s food supply on the line, the USDA isn’t taking any chances.
Efforts are now focused on three key tactics: stepped-up field surveillance, sterile male fly releases to disrupt breeding cycles, and tight control of animal movement in high-risk areas.
“Tick Riders”—special agents on horseback—are already monitoring ranches and wildlife along the border for signs of infestation.
The USDA will reevaluate the ban monthly and continues to work with Mexican officials to track and contain the spread.
Meanwhile, livestock already in US holding facilities will be closely inspected and treated before release.
Read next: Protect your home’s value: The “disgusting” invader causing chaos to West Coast forests
