Photos of Mexican ranchers struggling to adapt as screwworm ravages their cattle exports to the US

WorldEnvironment
5 Aug 2025 • 10:32 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The U.S. has suspended live cattle imports from Mexico due to concerns about the New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite found in southern Mexico. This suspension has severely impacted ranchers like Martín Ibarra Vargas in Sonora, who are already struggling with drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture calls the screwworm a “devastating pest” and is taking measures to prevent its spread.