Canada has temporarily suspended livestock imports from Texas following the recent detection of New World screwworm in South Texas calves, raising new concerns for cattle producers and animal health officials. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced on June 5 that it will halt imports of livestock, including horses, that originated in or were present in Texas within 21 days of entry into Canada. The agency noted that the New World screwworm is not present in Canada and said it will continue monitoring the situation alongside U.S. officials.
Reports said the move follows confirmation by the USDA of two cases in South Texas. The first involved a three-week-old calf found with screwworm larvae in its umbilical area. A second case was confirmed on June 5 in a one-month-old calf located about six miles away. The flesh-eating parasite, spread by screwworm flies, poses a significant threat to livestock health and Texas' $15.5 billion cattle industry if it’s not contained.
-NAFB