More Screwworm Cases in Mexico Threaten Cattle Trade With US

The spread of a deadly cattle parasite is accelerating in Mexico, likely prolonging a halt by the US on live animal shipments and further tightening beef supplies.

Almost 700 cases of the New World screwworm have been reported in Mexico this month, with nearly 40% of those detections in the week ending April 2, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The US has largely maintained a halt on live cattle imports from its southern neighbor since last fall to prevent the disease’s spread.