DEMING – Luna County Commissioner Christie Ann Harvey and Village of Columbus Mayor Philip Skinner joined local, state, federal, and Mexican officials at a binational summit in Santa Teresa to discuss the growing threat of the New World screwworm and efforts to protect agriculture, livestock, wildlife, and border communities.
The meeting, hosted by the New Mexico Border Authority, focused on strengthening cooperation between the United States and Mexico as officials work to prevent the spread of the livestock pest and prepare coordinated response plans should the pest threaten the border region.
Among those attending the summit were Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson, Ciudad Juárez Mayor Héctor Ortiz Orpinel, Chihuahua gubernatorial candidate Cruz Pérez Cuéllar, Casas Grandes Mayor Roberto Lucero, Ascensión Mayor Ivonne De La Hoya, El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, Luna County Commissioner Christie Ann Harvey, Village of Columbus Mayor Philip Skinner, along with other federal, state, and local officials from both countries.
Skinner said border communities like Columbus play an important role in protecting the agricultural economy while maintaining strong international partnerships.
“The New World screwworm is not simply a local issue—it is a regional and international concern,” Skinner said. “Meetings like this demonstrate the importance of cooperation between our communities, our states, and our countries. By working together, we can help safeguard our livestock industry, protect our economy, and ensure our border remains both secure and prosperous.”
Officials also discussed ongoing surveillance efforts, prevention strategies, and the importance of rapid communication among government agencies and agricultural leaders should the pest threaten the region.
Skinner thanked the New Mexico Border Authority for hosting the summit and bringing together leaders committed to protecting the border region and its agricultural heritage.
By: John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – john@bravomic.com
