New World Screwworm causing cattle issues in El Paso

Update: ABC-7 was able to speak with Alvaro Bustillos, the chair of the board of the Chihuahua Cattleman's Association. He is unhappy with the ban of cattle across the border.

He says that the issue is far enough away to not be an issue, and it's paralyzing the industry up north.

"This is happening 3000 kilometers down south. And, we have natural barriers right now, which is winter, the snow, whatever it is that's happening here in the northern part of the country, which is a natural barrier for the fly or the screwworm. It can not survive based on these climate conditions."

EL PASO, TEXAS (KVIA) -- A parasite found in Mexico is causing issues for cattle in Texas and the Borderland.

The New World Screwworm was found in a cow near Mexico's border with Guatemala, and has held up cattle movement into Texas.

The U.S Department of Agriculture has banned the import of Mexican cattle since November. The parasite will burrow itself into the open wounds of livestock and kill them if left untreated.

The hold up in cattle imports projects to raise the price of feeder steers, a large portion of Mexican cattle, by 8%. If the ban continues, beef production will slow down, causing a rise in prices for consumers.

Texas Agriculture commissioner Sid Miller said the ban could send "shockwaves through the beef market."

ABC-7 will have more information in our afternoon newscasts.