Mexico Reinforces Beef Sector, Livestock Disease Control

Beef consumption in Mexico has increased 10% over the past decade thanks to improvements in social conditions and a reduction in poverty that has benefited about 11 million people, says Julio Berdegué, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). During the 15th International Meat Congress, organized by the Mexican Association of Bovine Cattle Feeders (AMEG), Berdegué reaffirmed the country’s commitment to food sovereignty and livestock health.

Berdegué credits cattle producers for maintaining national self-sufficiency in beef production and for cooperating with the federal government in combating the New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak. The outbreak was first detected in late November 2024 through the joint efforts of the federal government, the National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA), state governments, and national and local livestock associations, says Berdegué. Since peaking on May 3, the number of cases has declined, and only 0.005% of the national herd is impacted.

Efforts to contain the NWS include public outreach and veterinary interventions, such as perimeter monitoring and the dispersal of sterile flies. Plans are underway to rehabilitate a facility in Chiapas to support these efforts.

Jesús Brígido, President, AMEG, acknowledged the federal government's support, particularly in trade relations with the United States and in the fight against NWS in the south-southeast region. He emphasized AMEG’s role in supplying 75% of Mexico’s beef consumption, with 85% sold domestically and the remainder exported.