Ag News

USDA announces phased reopening of Southern border for cattle imports

On July 24 USDA announced a coordinated, phased reopening of southern cattle ports, contingent on Mexico’s adherence to the Joint Action Plan. Beginning Aug. 24, USDA will open the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry to cattle trade, while simultaneously initiating the operational steps necessary for subsequent openings at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and Columbus, New Mexico, ports. 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).

Sonora and Chihuahua are identified as the lowest-risk Mexican states for New World screwworm due to their strong, well-established inspection programs and their geographic distance from southern Mexico, where most cases are concentrated.

On Aug. 24, USDA will reopen the Douglas port, which borders Sonora, to livestock trade. The closest active case to the Douglas port is approximately 325 miles detected on July 22. After evaluating the success of the initial reopening and potential impacts or risk assessment changes, APHIS will then consider reopening the Santa Teresa, and Columbus ports to live cattle, bison, and horses.

The reopening timeline will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico’s progress in meeting action plan milestones and addressing critical issues.

The opening of ports may be paused if USDA identifies increased risk in Sonora or Chihuahua via post-opening audits or other observations/information.

For more information about USDA’s New World screwworm response, read here. 

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