US to reopen to some Mexican cattle imports

A phased reopening of southern cattle ports has been announced by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which includes imports from Mexico.

It follows a halting of cattle imports from Mexico into the US in July 2025 due to evidence of a northward spread of the new world screwworm (NWS) in Mexico.

The USDA will open the Douglas, Arizona port of entry to cattle trade from 24 August, while the ports of Santa Teresa and Columbus in New Mexico will open subsequently.

The intake of cattle imports from Mexico will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico’s adherence to the joint action plan.

Every animal entering the US through these ports will undergo a full USDA inspection to ensure it is free of any signs of NWS.

New world screwworm

“Protecting the United States from NWS and pushing this pest out of Mexico and back to the Darien Gap is a top priority at USDA and has the full attention of the Trump Administration,” US secretary of agriculture Brooke L Rollins said.

“The closure of the southern ports of entry for the last year has been a tough but necessary action to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and protect the American livestock industry.

“Thanks to the work across the federal government as well as state, local and industry partners, it is now safe to reopen the Douglas, Arizona, port in 30 days to resume the hundreds year old movement of cattle.”

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

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