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Rollins: Mexico falling short on NWS oversight

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says Mexico is falling short in its oversight of New World screwworm.

“Mexico has failed to enforce proper cattle movement, controls and infected regions, and isn’t tending to fly traps daily, as promised, which hinders real time detection capabilities.”

Rollins says that’s unacceptable.

“Mexico must fully implement the agreed-upon protocols and must expand surveillance immediately and lock down cattle movement in infected zones. Anything less puts both of our nation’s herds and our food supply at grave risk.”

Rollins told attendees at last week’s Ag Outlook Forum 200 USDA employees are in Mexico to help the country’s ag department with NWS oversight.

NWS was recently confirmed within 70 miles of the U.S. border. The USDA says the pest was found in an 8-month-old calf that was part of a 100 head herd that had been transported from the south. The pest has not yet been confirmed in the United States.

Rollins says 100 percent compliance must be demonstrated by Mexico before a border reopening plan will be considered by the United States.