Mexico’s Federal Secretariat of Rural Development plans to release over one million sterile flies nationwide to combat the screwworm infestation affecting cattle. The screwworm has caused disruptions, including the closure of Mexico’s border with the U.S., impacting cattle exports. Despite this, beef prices in Yucatán remain stable due to targeted containment efforts in affected areas such as Tzucacab and Halachó. The initiative involves cooperation with the National Cattlemen’s Confederation and regional groups to protect the livestock industry.
The Federal Secretariat of Rural Development in Mexico has announced a bold national initiative to release more than one million sterile flies across the country. This large-scale effort aims to control the spread of the screwworm, a parasitic insect that poses a significant threat to cattle producers throughout Mexico.
The screwworm infestation has not only caused widespread concern among farmers but has also resulted in the closure of the border between Mexico and the United States for cattle exports. This disruption has added economic pressure on the livestock sector, intensifying the urgency for effective control measures.
Mario Esteban López Meneses, a leading representative of the Unión Ganadera Regional del Oriente de Yucatán (UGROY), emphasized the severity of the screwworm issue, particularly in regions such as Tzucacab and Halachó where the parasite has been detected. Despite these challenges, López Meneses reported that beef prices in Yucatán remain relatively stable, holding between 130 to 140 pesos per kilogram.
The initiative to release sterile flies is part of a coordinated effort involving the National Cattlemen’s Confederation and various regional cattle associations. By releasing sterile male flies, the program aims to interrupt the screwworm’s reproductive cycle, reducing its population and limiting the damage to livestock.
This approach follows successful pest control strategies used in other countries and is viewed as a vital step to protect Mexico’s cattle industry. Preventive actions continue to focus on containment and eradication in high-risk areas to prevent further spread.
With strong collaboration between federal authorities and regional stakeholders, the release of sterile flies represents a hopeful path forward in the fight against screwworms, aiming to secure the health of cattle and stabilize the agricultural economy.
