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Mexico Reports 14,321 Cattle Screwworm Cases as Chiapas Sterile-Fly Plant Reaches 50% Completion

The U.S. export halt has left about 1.2 million head without an outlet, costing producers an estimated $1.45 billion.

Overview

  • National animal health data show 14,321 cumulative gusano barrenador del ganado cases with 870 active foci as of January 20, 2026.
  • The Metapa, Chiapas sterile-fly facility is 50% built and slated to start in the first half of 2026, adding 100 million sterile flies weekly to double Mexico’s current supply from Panama in a USDA–Senasica partnership worth about $51 million.
  • Michoacán lists five active cases on Senasica’s platform after a new detection in Lázaro Cárdenas, while Morelia reports no local cases but has intensified surveillance and producer outreach in the southern zone.
  • Health surveillance confirmed 111 human myiasis cases in 2025, mostly in Chiapas, with a majority of patients being older men and many infections linked to contact with goats and dogs in rural areas.
  • Analysts report additional burdens from inspection expenses of about $90 million and losses of roughly $362 million tied to diverting cattle to the lower-priced domestic market, with U.S. processors also projected to face significant shortfalls.