Rotting meat stench from US-backed screwworm fly plant triggers protests in Chiapas
Town residents are demanding the relocation of a plant that breeds sterile flies to fight the spread of a parasite that has disrupted Mexico-U.S. cattle trade since November 2024. The post Rotting meat stench from US-backed screwworm fly plant triggers protests in Chiapas appeared first on Mexico News Daily
Residents of Metapa de Domínguez, a town in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, are protesting the operation of a sterile fly production plant that produces flies to combat the New World Screwworm. The protesters have been complaining about a terrible smell emanating from the plant since it began operations in June, describing it as similar to rotting meat.
They allege that the plant's location near homes and schools poses a significant health risk and is disrupting daily life, including school classes. The plant, a joint effort between Mexico and the United States, cost $51 million and was inaugurated in September by President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Despite initial promises from the government to address the issue by December 16, the protesters claim the situation has worsened, reaching ranches several kilometers away. They demand the relocation of the plant, stating, "We don't care about the investment; we want this plant moved, because the smell is overwhelming." The Mexican government defends the sterile fly plant as crucial for safeguarding the livestock industry, public health, the environment, and food sovereignty of both nations.
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