The Mexican state of Sonora confirmed its first case of screwworm on Wednesday, prompting the activation of emergency surveillance and containment protocols to prevent further spread. Governor Alfonso Durazo announced the detection in a statement on social media, emphasizing measures to protect the state's livestock health status.
The infestation was identified as part of heightened monitoring efforts, with state authorities establishing a sanitary cordon around the affected area. Durazo stated that reinforced actions were being taken to prevent the pest's spread, though no immediate risk to livestock was reported.
The detection comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prepares to lift a ban on Mexican cattle imports in the coming week. The timing raises concerns about potential trade implications, though neither USDA nor Sonora officials have linked the screwworm case directly to the pending policy change.
Screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae infest livestock, poses economic risks to the agricultural sector due to reduced productivity and trade restrictions. Sonora, a key cattle-producing region, has not reported a screwworm case in decades, according to state health officials.
