By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a phased plan to reopen ports along the southern border for livestock trade. Beginning July 7, live cattle, bison, and horses will be allowed entry from Mexico, starting with the Douglas, Arizona, port.
This step follows strong cooperation between USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Mexican authorities. Together, they have increased detection and control of the New World Screwworm (NWS), a serious livestock pest. Since the closure on May 11, progress has included daily flights in Mexico dispersing more than 100 million sterile flies weekly.
“There has been no notable increase in reported NWS cases in Mexico, nor any northward movement of the pest,” according to the USDA.
The USDA plans to reopen more ports depending on safety conditions and ongoing inspections. The next ports expected to open are:
- Columbus, NM, on July 14
- Santa Teresa, NM, on July 21
- Del Rio, TX, on August 18
- Laredo, TX, on September 15
Only cattle and bison from Sonora or Chihuahua, Mexico, or those treated under official protocols, will be approved for import. Del Rio and Laredo ports will open only if Coahuila and Nuevo Leon adopt the same animal treatment standards.
USDA will monitor each reopening phase closely to make sure there are no harmful effects. The agency emphasizes strict inspection and treatment protocols to ensure safety.
This careful process supports safe livestock movement, strong partnerships, and continued protection of U.S. agriculture.
Photo Credit:usda
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