Belize Cattle Exports Hold Strong Despite Screwworm Outbreak

Belize’s cattle export market remains strong despite the outbreak of New World screwworm in the country. Since the first case of the flesh-eating parasite in December 2024, Belize has recorded over 160 cases across the country. The screwworm has ravaged cattle industries in countries across the region, but according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise, export partners continue to purchase Belizean cattle. Minister Jose Abelardo Mai said that currently, cattle prices are the highest they have been for the industry.

Jose Abelardo Mai, Minister of Agriculture: “Our markets continue to be strong, our export markets. Mexico has continuously purchased our animals. There haven’t been any problems yet so far.  Although the Mexicans are feeling a bit challenged because the US has closed their markets again in the northern part of Mexico. And so they are a little concerned. Our markets continue to be strong, we continue to export. The price at this time is the highest it’s ever been in the history of cattle in the cattle industry. In the history of the cattle industry today,  we have the highest prices. Young bulls are being paid at three dollars and ten cents a pound. It has never, ever been like that before, never. And so the market is strong, still strong which is a good thing. But we are in the field again trying to control screwworm. Awareness is very important, treating animals, treating wounds, reporting the cases to BAHA and Ministry of Agriculture and our other organizations and so we hope to the incidences under  control.”

Mai notes that seven months into the outbreak, Belize still has less than 200 cases, while countries like Mexico have recorded cases in the thousands. He attributes the relatively low case count to the monitoring and interventions of agriculture industry stakeholders.