News

Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) confirmed a new case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Sabinas Hidalgo, located in the state of Nuevo León, less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. This is now the northernmost detection of NWS during this outbreak, and the one most threatening to the American cattle and livestock industry. Sabinas Hidalgo is located near the major highway from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, to Laredo, Texas, which is one of the most heavily trafficked commercial thoroughfares in the world.

Currently, U.S. ports remain closed to imports of cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico.

Since July, USDA alongside Mexico, has been actively monitoring nearly 8,000 traps across Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. To date, more than 13,000 screening samples have been submitted, with no NWS flies detected. USDA is analyzing all new information related to the recent case in Nuevo León and will pursue all options to release sterile flies in this region as necessary.

USDA has made substantial progress in implementing its 5-prong plan to protect the nation’s livestock, wildlife, and public health from the growing threat of NWS:

1. Innovating our way to eradication.
2. Protecting the U.S. border.
3. Strengthening surveillance and detection.
4. Enhancing public awareness and education.
5. Coordinating with Mexico and international partners.

USDA is working in close partnership with the following Federal agencies to ensure a unified national response:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Food and Drug Administration.
• Department of the Interior.
• Department of Energy.
• Department of Homeland Security.
• Environmental Protection Agency.
• Department of State.

NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh. USDA urges residents on the southern border to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian immediately. While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention. Learn more about NWS on the APHIS website.

Source: USDA Press Releases, No. 0220.25 (September 21, 2025)

Update: Comment period extended to September 30, 2025.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the opening of a 30-day public comment period for stakeholders to provide feedback on the Department’s reorganization plan, as outlined in the Secretary’s memorandum issued on July 24, 2025.

“As committed, we are continuing to hear stakeholder feedback on the USDA Reorganization. All stakeholders — including Capitol Hill offices, USDA employees, and members of the agricultural community — are encouraged to share their input during the open comment period. We value your perspective as we work to ensure that USDA is best positioned to serve America’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and rural communities,” said Secretary Rollins.

How to Submit Comments

All stakeholders, including USDA employees, members of Congress, and agricultural and nutrition partners, are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing reorganization@usda.gov. The comment period is open through September 30, 2025.

Source: USDA Press Releases, No. 0185.25 (August 1, 2025)

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is hosting a session at World Dairy Expo 2025 in collaboration with the National Association of Animal Breeders and Livestock Exporters Association of the USA. On October 2, 8 am – 12:30 pm, the livestock and genetics networking event "Beyond the Barn: How U.S. Dairy Genetics Leads the World" will include:

• Doing business with Americans
• Strength of U.S. animal health programs
• The U.S. advantage: Genetics powered by diverse environments
• Sharpening the U.S. genetics edge: What dairy can learn from other sectors

The event will feature prearranged, 1-on-1 meetings that connect qualified international buyers with leading U.S. suppliers of livestock, genetics, and embryos.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins applauds the Senate confirmation of Luke J. Lindberg as Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA). “We are thrilled to have Luke join our team and I have full faith that his drive and deep experience will ensure we not only defend our producers, but also open new doors to global trade.” said Secretary Rollins.

Luke Lindberg previously served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States during President Trump’s first term. Most recently, he led South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership focused on expanding international market access for regional exporters. Lindberg holds degrees in Government & Politics, Public Policy, and Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

Source: USDA Press Releases, No. 0186.25 (August 2, 2025)

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), refocusing its core operations to better align with its founding mission of supporting American farming, ranching, and forestry. All critical functions of USDA will continue uninterrupted.

The reorganization consists of 4 pillars:

• Ensure the size of USDA’s workforce aligns with available financial resources and agricultural priorities.
• Bring USDA closer to its customers.
• Eliminate management layers and bureaucracy.
• Consolidate redundant support functions.

To bring USDA closer to the people it serves while also providing a more affordable cost of living for USDA employees, USDA has developed a phased plan to relocate much of its Agency headquarters and National Capital Region staff out of the Washington, D.C., area to 5 hub locations:

• Raleigh, North Carolina
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Fort Collins, Colorado
• Salt Lake City, Utah

USDA will vacate and return to the General Services Administration the South Building, Braddock Place, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, and revisit utilization and functions in the USDA Whitten Building, Yates Building, and the National Agricultural Library. 

Source: USDA Press Releases, No. 0178.25 (July 24, 2025)

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) reports are market access reports that provide technical specifications for food and agricultural imports, including live animals and their genetics.

Ecuador FAIRS Country Report Annual (Report No. EC2025-0006)

Costa Rica FAIRS Country Report Annual (Report No. CS2025-0016)

Costa Rica FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual (Report No. CS2025-0017)

Source: USDA-FAS Global Agricultural Information Network