USDA and Mexico Reach Agreement on New World Screwworm, Avoid US Import Ban
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that officials in Mexico and at USDA have reached an agreement on efforts to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, avoiding U.S. restrictions on animal imports from Mexico (see 2504280034).
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"Due to this agreement the ports will remain open to livestock imports, however if at any time these terms are not upheld, port closure will be revisited," USDA said in an April 30 release.
The agreement involves Mexico renewing its commitment to "eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft, and waive customs duties on eradication equipment aiding in the response to the spread" of the pest, a deadly parasitic fly that infests warm-blooded animals, USDA said.
“I am happy to share Mexico has continued to partner in emergency efforts to eradicate the New World Screwworm. This pest is a devastating threat to both of our economies, and I am pleased to work together with Mexico in good faith to protect the livelihoods of our ranchers and producers who would have been hurt by this pest,” Rollins said in the release.