Mexico adopts microchip technology to revive cattle exports amidst New World screwworm resurgence

Mexico’s cattle industry is implementing subcutaneous microchips and thermal-imaging drones to enhance traceability and combat the re-emergence of New World screwworm, aiming to restore live exports to the United States and address longstanding animal traceability issues.

Mexico’s cattle industry is turning to subcutaneous microchips as it seeks to restore live exports to the United States after sanitary restrictions imposed over the New World screwworm outbreak. The chips, inserted with a syringe, allow officials to verify an animal’s origin, health record, breed, feed regime and vaccination history in real time through scanners and software.

Industry sources say the technology is intended to solve a longstanding problem with ear tags and brands, both of which can be lost or fade, and to give authorities continuous traceability of calves bound for export. Veterinary teams are also using thermal-imaging drones in hard-to-reach areas to spot fever, one of the warning signs of infestation.

The dispute has widened beyond live cattle. Mexico’s SENASICA said it also temporarily suspended live animal trade from the United States after cases were detected in Texas and New Mexico, underscoring the bilateral sensitivity of animal-health controls. El País reported that the pest, once thought to have been eradicated in 1991, has re-emerged as a political and commercial flashpoint.

Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Anaya of the Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas said the United States has authorised temporary imports of up to 300,000 metric tonnes of meat, a move he said could ease prices there, although freight and global market conditions will determine the final effect.

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