U.S. halts Mexico cattle imports after New World Screwworm detected

The United States has paused imports of cattle from Mexico after a positive detection of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating pest that can be fatal to animals and in some cases humans. Authorities identified an infected cow at a livestock inspection checkpoint close to the border of Guatemala. Given the northward movement of screwworm, USDA said it is “restricting the importation of animal commodities,” including live cattle and bison, that originated or were transported through Mexico, effective immediately.