The United States Department of Agriculture has reopened its livestock entry port in Columbus, New Mexico, as authorities report four new cases of New World screwworm in Texas and New Mexico.
The reopening is part of a phased resumption of livestock imports across the southern border, supported by additional safeguards and animal health inspections.
The USDA also began allowing horse imports through the Santa Teresa port, with animals subjected to a seven-day quarantine to check for the parasite before release. The agency says Nogales, Arizona, is scheduled to be the next livestock port to reopen on November 30, if plans proceed as expected.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said laboratory tests confirmed screwworm infections in two cattle in Hudspeth County and one cow and one ram in Dona Ana County.
Miller called for stronger control measures, including increased releases of sterile flies and additional support for livestock farmers.
Meanwhile, USDA official Dudley Hoskins said the detection and reporting of suspected infections showed that inspection and response procedures were working.
New World screwworm larvae feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, causing serious wounds and potentially death if untreated. The USDA is using sterile insect releases, surveillance and inspections to contain the pest.
No comments:
Post a Comment
What's do you think about this News Story? Share your thoughts here, let's learn together...