Canada Suspends Some U.S. Livestock Imports Over Screwworm Cases

Canada has introduced temporary restrictions on livestock imports from the United States after a second case of New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the latest case was detected in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County. The parasite feeds on living tissue and can cause serious damage to livestock.

In response, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced that cattle, horses and other livestock that originated from or were present in Texas within 21 days before entry will not be allowed into Canada for now.

U.S. authorities have established a control zone around the affected area and begun releasing sterile flies to help contain the pest. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also declared a state of disaster and authorized state resources to support response efforts.

The USDA said the outbreak does not affect meat or other food products and assured consumers that the food supply remains safe. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are working with authorities in Mexico and Central America to prevent the screwworm from spreading further.