The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking a major step toward restoring livestock trade with Mexico. USDA announced a phased reopening of southern ports of entry beginning with the Douglas, Arizona, cattle crossing on August 24. The move comes after nearly a year of restrictions designed to protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat of New World Screwworm, a destructive pest that can infest cattle and other animals.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins says protecting the United States from screwworm remains a top priority. She noted that while the closure of southern ports has been difficult for producers and traders, it was a necessary measure to help prevent the pest from spreading north into the U.S. livestock herd. USDA officials say the reopening is being made possible because of strong animal health programs in the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua.
Those states are considered lower risk due to their extensive inspection systems and their distance from the areas of southern Mexico where most screwworm cases have been detected. Under the plan, every animal entering through reopened ports will undergo a full USDA inspection to ensure it shows no signs of New World screwworm. USDA says the Douglas port will be evaluated closely before any additional crossings are opened.
The agency is also preparing for possible future openings at Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, but those decisions will depend on Mexico’s continued progress under a joint action plan and ongoing risk assessments. USDA emphasizes that the timeline remains flexible and port operations could be paused if new risks emerge. For now, livestock producers are watching closely as the first phase moves forward, making it an important step in restoring cross-border cattle trade while maintaining safeguards for animal health.
Audio Reporting by Elizabeth Sanders for Southeast AgNet.