US to resume Mexican cattle imports after year-long ban

The United States is set to resume imports of live cattle from Mexico starting August 24, following a year-long ban. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the reopening of cattle ports along the Mexican border, which were closed in May 2025 due to concerns over the screwworm fly.

The screwworm fly, known for its flesh-eating larvae, poses a significant threat to cattle populations. The ban was implemented to prevent the parasite's spread into the U.S. livestock. The Douglas, Arizona port of entry will be the first to reopen for cattle trade, with plans to subsequently reopen ports in Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico.

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Every animal entering the United States through these ports will undergo a full USDA inspection to ensure it is free of any signs of New World screwworm (NWS).

Federal officials have stated that every animal entering the United States through these ports will undergo a thorough inspection by the USDA. This measure is designed to ensure that all imported cattle are free from any signs of the New World screwworm (NWS). The parasite, which has been present in Mexico, reappeared in the U.S. in early June, with 42 cases recorded.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins described the closure as a "tough but necessary action" to safeguard American livestock. The U.S. has a history of successfully eradicating NWS, including a resurgence in southern Florida in 2017.

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The closure of southern ports was a tough but necessary action to protect American livestock.