U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has issued a demand for cooperation from Mexico in protecting U.S. agricultural products from invasive pests. The demand was made through an official letter to her Mexican counterpart, highlighting the need for action against the spread of the New World Screwworm.
The letter calls for the removal of restrictions on USDA aircraft and the waiving of customs duties on necessary eradication equipment. Secretary Rollins emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “Every delay in granting full operational authority and eliminating customs barriers undermines our collective ability to carry out this emergency response.”
In the letter, Secretary Rollins further warned Mexico of potential consequences if immediate action is not taken. She stated, “…that if these issues are not resolved by Wednesday, April 30, USDA will restrict the importation of animal commodities, which consist of live cattle, bison, and equine originating from or transiting Mexico to protect the interest of the agriculture industry in the United States.”
The situation places increased pressure on Mexico to respond by the specified deadline to avoid significant trade impacts.
