R-CALF USA:
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today announced the immediate closure of southern border ports to livestock trade in response to the escalating threat of New World Screwworm spreading northward from Mexico.
The decision follows urgent calls issued last week by R-CALF USA and 19 of its affiliate organizations to halt livestock imports until Mexico has fully eradicated the disease within its borders.
R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard issued the following statement:
“We applaud Secretary Rollins for taking swift, necessary action to protect the health of the U.S. cattle herd and the integrity of our nation’s food supply. American cattle producers and R-CALF USA have been sounding the alarm about what we viewed as a premature reopening, and it’s clear the secretary has heard the voice of independent producers.
“This is what it looks like to put America first, not cave to global trade interests. Closing the border isn’t just justified, it’s essential.”
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association:
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a pause on the phased reopening of ports along the U.S.-Mexico border:
“We continue to strongly support Secretary Rollins’ decision to protect the U.S. cattle herd and ensure Mexico is doing its part to prevent the spread of New World screwworm. TSCRA recognizes that pausing the plan to reopen the border to live cattle imports is warranted.
“With the pest now confirmed just 370 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border, it is more important than ever to ensure Mexico is held accountable for implementing measures to control New World screwworm. Mexico’s lack of enforcement of protocols leaves us all vulnerable and Secretary Rollins’ firm stance and commitment to accountability are exactly what is needed at time like this.
“While the risk of northward spread is real, we’re grateful for the proactive steps taken by this administration to ensure we are prepared to respond, including the development of a domestic sterile fly dispersal facility. This moment also underscores the urgency of establishing a fully operational sterile fly production facility to support long-term control of the New World screwworm.”
