United States Urges Mexico To Tackle Screwworm Plague

The United States warned Mexico that it may reinstate restrictions on imports of Mexican animal products if measures to combat a screwworm are not intensified. The Mexican government said it is addressing the most pressing concerns regarding the plague. However, it opposes Mexico being used as electoral fodder in US electoral campaigns. The warning was conveyed in a letter from United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to the Mexican government, with a deadline set for April 30, 2025. Mexico has confirmed it has responded to the letter, stating it is reinforcing control systems.

Rollins cited concerns about the spread of screwworm infestation. In a public message, she criticized Mexico for reportedly limiting fumigation flights against the plague and imposing tariffs on parts needed for the maintenance of aircraft used for treatment. 

Before the discovery of the screwworm, Mexico was the largest supplier of cattle to the United States. Data from the United States Department of Agriculture shows that in March 2025, the United States imported 24,000 heads of cattle from Mexico, a decrease from 114,000 in March 2024. The United States had previously blocked shipments of Mexican meat in late November 2024 but lifted the restriction in February 2025 following the implementation of new protocols for evaluating animal health, reports El Financiero.

President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the country responded to Rollins' letter regarding the propagation of the screwworm. She stated that Mexico is acting responsibly by reinforcing existing control systems from the southern border to prevent the spread throughout the country. 

President Sheinbaum also suggested that issues like this could have an electoral motivation in the United States. She stated that Mexico should not be used for negative campaigning in US elections and that campaigns should be positive towards Latinos and Mexicans.

Rollins' letter reportedly requested specific actions from Mexico, including eliminating tariffs on aircraft parts and sterile flies, appointing a high-level liaison with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and authorizing a specific company to operate fumigation flights for at least one year. President Sheinbaum stated that actions considered reasonable and based on cooperation are being addressed, but she reiterated that excessive demands will not be accepted. She emphasized Mexico's principle of collaborating and cooperating but not subordinating, as reported by El Economista.

Mexico’s Minister of Agriculture Julio Berdegué also expressed through social media that the Mexican government remains open to dialogue and collaboration to eradicate the screwworm and conveyed confidence in reaching agreements that benefit both countries. The threat from the United States occurs in the context of broader global trade dynamics.