(STILLWATER, Oklahoma, May 14, 2025) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service closed the U.S. border this week to livestock imports due to New World screwworm in southern Mexico.
New World screwworm is a type of fly larvae that can dig into the flesh of a living animal and cause serious injury or death. The fly can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, birds and people. New World screwworm was eradicated in the U.S. in 1966 but has moved into Central America and southern Mexico over the past two years.
The border closed to livestock imports in November 2024 and reopened in February 2025 after USDA-APHIS implemented additional protocols and inspections. Feeder cattle imports are down 60% from last year.
To schedule an interview with Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist, about how a closed border currently affects U.S. cattle markets and consumer beef prices, contact Gail Ellis in the OSU Agriculture Offi ce of Communications and Marketing.
