Cattle Screwworm Outbreak Could Spike Beef Prices to 300 Pesos

Mexico — The cattle screwworm, scientifically known as Cochliomyia hominivorax, has reemerged in Mexico, posing a severe threat to livestock and potentially driving beef prices as high as 300 pesos per kilogram. The parasitic larvae, which infest open wounds in warm-blooded animals—including cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and even humans—consume living tissue, leading to severe infections and often death.

Reemergence of a Decades-Old Threat

Though Mexico had eradicated the screwworm over 30 years ago, the pest reappeared in November 2024 in Catazajá, Chiapas, and has since spread alarmingly to other regions. As of May 2025, more than 1,400 confirmed cases have been reported across at least seven states, with Chiapas (851 cases) and Tabasco (268) bearing the brunt of the outbreak.

The crisis has prompted the U.S. to impose an immediate ban on livestock imports from affected Mexican states, dealing a heavy blow to key cattle-exporting regions like Chihuahua and Sonora. Mexico exports over one million head of cattle annually to the U.S., generating revenue exceeding $1 billion. The outbreak now threatens not only the agricultural sector but also the national economy.

Government Measures to Contain the Outbreak

The Mexican government, through the National Service for Agrifood Health, Safety, and Quality (Senasica), has implemented a multi-pronged containment strategy:

• Sterile insect release: A biological control method involving the release of sterile male flies to disrupt reproduction.
• Intensive sanitary inspections: Daily monitoring of livestock, particularly animals with wounds or recent surgical procedures (e.g., castration, dehorning).
• Public awareness campaigns: Encouraging farmers to report suspected cases immediately.
• Border control reinforcement: Heightened surveillance along the southern border to prevent the illegal entry of infected animals.

Recommendations for Livestock Producers

Farmers are urged to take preventive measures, including:

• Daily inspections of livestock for wounds or signs of infection.
• Immediate treatment of injuries with disinfectants and sealants.
• Participation in government eradication programs.
• Use of approved insecticides in high-risk areas.
• Restricting movement of infected animals to prevent further spread.

Economic and Public Health Implications

If unchecked, the outbreak could lead to:

• Price surges: Beef prices may rise from 180 to 300 pesos per kilogram, depending on region and cut. Dairy products could see a 15%–30% price increase due to reduced milk production.
• Human cases: Though rare, at least two human infestations have been confirmed in Mexico in 2025, requiring urgent medical attention.

Reporting and Identification

Suspected cases must be reported immediately to Senasica at 800 751 2100 or the nearest agricultural office. Key symptoms in animals include visible larvae in wounds, foul odor, fever, and lethargy.

Long-Term Consequences

Failure to control the outbreak could result in Mexico losing its international sanitary status, further closing export markets. The economic fallout could extend beyond agriculture, impacting transportation, trade, public health, and food security.

Consumers, producers, and citizens are advised to stay informed, support eradication efforts, and demand continued government vigilance to prevent a full-blown economic disaster.