Mexican ranchers struggle to adapt as a tiny parasite ravages their cattle exports to the US

The United States has suspended imports of living livestock from Mexico due to concerns about the new screw worm, a flesh eater parasite found in southern Mexico. This suspension seriously had an impact on breeders like Martín Ibarra Vargas in Sonora, who is already fighting with drought. The US Department of Agriculture calls the “devastating pest” screw worm and takes measures to prevent its spread. Mexican breeders have been forced to find alternative markets and diversify their businesses. Despite these efforts, economic tension continues and the future remains uncertain for many breeders.