SHARE:  

Join Our Email List

Vilsack Wants More Action from Mexico Re: NWS/Trade Resumption

Letter notes progress made in reopening cattle trade, but more action needed

A letter (link) sent Friday by outgoing USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture Julio Antonio Berdeguê acknowledges the progress made in reopening cattle trade between the two countries following the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, but says more action is needed to resume trade.

Key developments:

• Technical collaboration between U.S. and Mexican teams
• Full technical agreement on a protocol reached on Dec. 12, 2024
• Ongoing work to approve pre-export NWS inspection facilities
  

Vilsack emphasizes the importance of expediting the approval process for these facilities to resume safe export as soon as possible, citing the significance of trade for a safe and affordable food supply.

The letter also addresses efforts to combat the spread of New World Screwworm:

• Emergency funding has been authorized to increase sterile fly production
• Production has increased fivefold in the past year
• Enhanced regional response through increased dispersal, surveillance, education, and partnerships
• Acknowledgment of Mexico's partnership in sterile fly releases, movement controls, and surveillance
• Shared goal to push the pest south to the Darien Gap
  

Vilsack requests immediate support from Secretary Berdegué for the establishment of two planned sterile fly dispersal centers in Southern Mexico to strengthen current efforts.

The letter maintains a cordial and cooperative tone throughout, emphasizing:

• Shared commitments and goals
• Acknowledgment of Mexico's efforts and partnership
• Expressions of gratitude for collaboration
• Requests for continued support and expedited action
  

Comments: Industry sources say specific testing will take place Monday, Jan. 20, and that and other tests will go a long way in establishing a trade resumption timeline.