Nuevo León maintains control against screwworm threat

Authorities confirm that control measures have prevented the spread of a dangerous pest in the livestock sector.

Publicado 28 julio, 2025 el 28 de julio a las 00:58 | 3 mins reading |3,864 vistas | por Sofía Ramírez

Surveillance and prevention prevent the arrival of the screwworm to Nuevo León

Following the alert issued at the beginning of June about the possible arrival of the screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) to Nuevo León, the Regional Livestock Union confirmed through an official statement that no cases have been recorded in the entity. This parasite, considered one of the most devastating pests for livestock in America, mainly affects warm-blooded animals, including cattle, sheep and goats, causing serious tissue damage and even death.

Containment strategies and official statements

During a press conference, Noel Ramírez Mejía, president of the Livestock Union, highlighted that the health filters implemented by the State Government in collaboration with the Senasica (National Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service) have been key to avoiding the introduction of infected cattle from other states. “The current measures are adequate, but we need to maintain vigilance,” said Ramírez, who also emphasized the need to reinforce protocols at strategic entry points.

The screwworm reproduces by depositing larvae in open wounds of animals, where they feed on living tissue. Its rapid spread could generate million-dollar economic losses, according to data from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Given this, the Livestock Union has intensified training courses for producers, focused on early detection, treatment with specific insecticides and quarantine measures.

Regional context and call to action

Mexico has maintained the status of a country free of this pest since 1991, thanks to the Screwworm Eradication Program. However, recent outbreaks in neighboring states have raised the risk. Ramírez Mejía urged the authorities not to let their guard down: “Imported livestock must comply with rigorous health certifications to avoid reintroducing the disease.”

Experts in veterinary epidemiology emphasize that, although Nuevo León does not report cases, monitoring should be extended to wild species, which can act as vectors. In addition, they recommend the use of traps with pheromones and periodic inspection of herds, especially in border areas.

Why is this issue crucial? The livestock industry represents 12% of the agri-food GDP of Nuevo León, with more than 1.2 million heads of livestock. An outbreak would affect not only local production, but also meat exports to international markets.

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National

They discover a tunnel to extract illegal fuel in Mineral de la Reforma

They find clandestine infrastructure connected to the Pemex pipeline in a state operation.

Publicado 7 minutes ago el 25 de julio a las 14:53 | 2 mins reading

Tunnel found for hydrocarbon theft

Elements of the Hidalgo Public Security Secretariat (SSPH) located a tunnel used for the illegal extraction of fuel on a property in the El Saucillo neighborhood, in Mineral de la Reforma.

The discovery occurred after a citizen complaint. Agents carried out an operation that led to the arrest of five people and the seizure of three properties. They also seized approximately 500 meters of high-pressure hose and doses of alleged drugs.

The detainees tried to flee when they noticed the police presence, but were captured. As part of the investigations, three searches were carried out. In one of the properties, a tunnel six meters deep and 50 meters long was found, connected to a Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) pipeline to illegally extract hydrocarbons.

In another property there was a warehouse that was allegedly used to store the extracted fuel. The secured hose was used for clandestine intakes.

The actions were coordinated by the SSPH, the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Hidalgo (PGJEH), the Secretariat of National Defense and the National Guard. The detainees were placed at the disposal of the Federal Public Ministry, which will integrate the corresponding investigation folders.

With this discovery, during the current state administration there are 19 tunnels located in Hidalgo intended for the theft of hydrocarbons. These have been detected in municipalities such as Cuautepec, Pachuca, Tepeji del Río, Tlanalapa, Tlaxcoapan, Tula, Mineral de la Reforma, Tepeapulco, Tepetitlán, Nopala and Atitalaquia.

National

SEP rejects militarized education after tragedy in Tamaulipas

The SEP clarifies that militarized education is not authorized after the death of a minor in Tamaulipas.

Publicado 4 hours ago el 25 de julio a las 10:58 | 2 mins reading

SEP reiterates ban on military education

The Ministry of Public Education (SEP) stated that education under military or military modalities is not permitted in Mexico. The statement came after the death of a teenager at a summer camp with military characteristics in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas.

The head of the SEP, Mario Delgado Carrillo, condemned attempts to justify acts of violence or mistreatment with the argument of a supposed military education. He pointed out that these practices are not training methods and violate the human rights of children and adolescents.

Through a statement, the agency clarified that no basic education institution is authorized to teach teachings labeled as military or military. He explained that military education is exclusive for personnel of the Armed Forces and the National Guard.

Regarding the incident, state educational authorities will take measures to protect the rights of minors. According to family testimonies, the teenager entered the camp on July 13 in good health and days later she was reported fainted after a fall. The minor died inside the facilities.

The SEP reiterated its rejection of any practice of abuse or degrading treatment against minors. The case has generated a call to review supervision mechanisms in extracurricular activities.

National

Imports of Mexican cattle to the US resume

Following a health agreement, the US will reopen the port of Douglas, Arizona, for Mexican cattle.

Publicado 5 hours ago el 25 de julio a las 09:05 | 2 mins reading

President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that the United States will resume importing Mexican cattle starting the last week of August. The decision came after an official communication from the US Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins.

Reopening schedule

The reopening will begin at the border port of Agua Prieta, Sonora, linked to the Douglas crossing, Arizona. August 24 will be the first date of operation. Later, two additional points will be enabled in Chihuahua, subject to compliance with the Joint Action Plan against screwworm.

Sheinbaum instructed federal agencies to accelerate coordination with US authorities. He highlighted the work of the Secretary of Agriculture, Julio Berdegué, and the director of Senasica, Columba López, to strengthen health measures.

The animals will enter with complete inspections to verify that they do not show signs of the plague.
Later, the opening of the ports of Santa Teresa and Columbus, in New Mexico, will be evaluated.

The president described the news as positive for Mexican ranchers, who for months contained the spread of the screwworm. He appreciated Rollins’ willingness to maintain an institutional relationship.

Rollins, for his part, stated that the protection of the US livestock industry remains a priority and that the temporary closure of crossings was necessary to reduce risks. The reopening is possible thanks to binational collaboration.