US Gradually Reopens Borders to Mexican Cattle After Screwworm Suspension

Washington D.C. – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a phased reopening of its southern ports for Mexican cattle imports, ending a suspension implemented due to the New World Screwworm (NWS) pest. This coordinated effort begins on August 24, 2026, with the Douglas, Arizona port of entry.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins emphasized that protecting the U.S. from NWS and eradicating the pest from Mexico is a top priority. She acknowledged the difficult but necessary decision to close the ports, which aimed to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and safeguard the American livestock industry. Rollins credited extensive work by federal, state, and local partners for making the reopening possible.

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Protecting the United States from NWS and expelling this pest from Mexico back to the Isthmus of Darien is a top priority for the USDA.

The phased approach is contingent on Mexico's adherence to a Joint Action Plan. Sonora and Chihuahua are considered lower-risk Mexican states due to robust inspection programs and geographical distance from southern Mexico, where most NWS cases are concentrated. The Douglas port, bordering Sonora, will be the first to reopen.

Following the initial reopening, the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will assess the situation and consider opening the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports in New Mexico for live cattle, bison, and horses. The reopening schedule remains flexible and subject to adjustments based on Mexico's progress in meeting action plan milestones and resolving critical issues. All animals entering the U.S. will undergo comprehensive USDA inspections.

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The closure of the southern ports of entry over the past year has been a difficult but necessary measure to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and protect the U.S. livestock industry.