tradingkey.logo

LIVESTOCK-Cattle futures tip down on screwworm fears

ReutersAug 25, 2025 10:59 PM

By Heather Schlitz

- Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures fell on Monday as renewed concerns over the spread of New World screwworm pulled cattle futures off contract highs set during the previous week.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday reported the first human case in the United States of travel-associated New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, from an outbreak-affected country.

The case, investigated by the Maryland Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was confirmed by the CDC as New World screwworm on August 4, and involved a patient who returned from travel to El Salvador, HHS spokesman Andrew G. Nixon said in an email to Reuters.

The news prompted a wave of profit-taking, analysts said.

CME October live cattle futures LCV25 fell 1.05 cents to settle at 236.825 cents per pound. September feeder cattle FCU25 fell 0.775 cent to settle at 361.9 cents per pound.

A historically low supply of cattle, which has been further constrained by the closure of the U.S.-Mexico border to feeder cattle imports due to the spread of screwworm, fueled a rally in cattle futures the previous week.

The choice boxed beef cutout value was last up 58 cents to $408.49 per hundredweight, according to USDA data. The select beef cutout was up $1.72 to $385.38 per hundredweight.

Though beef prices have surged to near-record highs, consumer demand has remained resilient, with increased retail demand ahead of the U.S. Labor Day holiday also supporting prices.

Lean hog futures ended slightly lower as CME October lean hogs LHV25 rose 0.2 cent to settle at 91.4 cents per pound.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice.

Related Articles

KeyAI