Canada imposed temporary livestock import limits on animals connected to Texas after a second case of flesh-eating screwworm was detected in the state, prompting new warnings for animal owners and cattle producers.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Canada is temporarily blocking certain livestock imports from Texas after a second case of flesh-eating screwworm was confirmed in the state, a move officials described as a precaution intended to protect animal health during the warmer summer months.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Saturday that “it will implement temporary import restrictions on livestock, including horses, from entering Canada from animals that originate from or were present in the State of Texas within 21 days prior to border crossing.”
The restriction applies to animals that originated in Texas or were in Texas during the 21-day period before reaching the Canadian border. The agency said the decision was made to reduce the chance that the parasitic fly could be introduced into Canada after the parasite was identified in two Texas cases.
The action was highlighted in an X post after Canadian officials announced the new limits.
“The CFIA will continue to work closely with U.S. counterparts to assess developments and adjust measures as needed,” the agency stated. “The flesh-eating larvae of this parasitic fly threatens the lives of its host animals. While our colder climate is not hospitable for the long-term establishment of the fly in Canada, they can survive shorter periods of time in the summer months. Taking this action now is an appropriate risk mitigation measure to prevent its introduction and protect animal health.”
Canadian officials also advised people traveling to Texas with pets to watch for possible signs of the parasite. The agency encouraged travelers with pets to “remain vigilant and inspect their pets regularly for any signs.”
The announcement came after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that the parasite had been found in a second calf in Texas. Texas is the leading cattle and beef-producing state in the United States, making the detection especially significant for ranchers, livestock markets and animal health officials.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster Friday, citing the “imminent threat” from the outbreak. Abbott said, “This is likely to spread over the course of the summer.”
The detections come as the U.S. cattle sector is already under pressure. American cattle numbers are “already at a 75-year low,” beef prices are at record highs and meatpackers are dealing with fewer and more expensive animals.
The screwworm concern adds another potential strain to the cattle industry at a time when herds are historically tight and supply pressures are already affecting the beef market. Canadian officials said their temporary import restrictions are aimed at stopping the parasite from entering the country before it can pose a wider animal health threat.
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