U.S. will not restrict imports of Mexican cattle

MEXICO - Despite the detection of a new case of screwworm in a cattle in Tabasco, the United States will not restrict Mexican cattle imports, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

The case was reported just weeks after exports were resumed following the suspension imposed by the US in November due to an outbreak in Chiapas.

However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) assured that there are now updated inspection and treatment protocols in place, so trade in live cattle between the two countries will continue without new restrictions.

Mexico notified the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the new case, but the Secretariat of Agriculture has not commented on the matter.

The Secretary of Agriculture, Julio Berdegué, had announced in early February the signing of agreements to reactivate exports, following working groups between the two governments.

Mexico exports more than one million calves and heifers to the US each year, mainly from border states, which makes the livestock sector a key part of the commercial relationship between the two countries.