Key Takeaways
- The USDA will phase the reopening of southern ports for livestock trade, starting with Arizona’s Douglas port on August 24, 2026, following a new world screwworm outbreak.
- Cooperation with Mexican authorities is integral to managing the risk of screwworms, including funding and trapping initiatives.
- Livestock associations support the reopening, emphasizing the need for vigilance amid ongoing surveillance and safety measures.
USDA Announces Phased Reopening of Livestock Trade Ports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a phased reopening of southern ports for livestock trade, following a year-long closure aimed at controlling the spread of new world screwworm (NWS). The reopening will commence with the Douglas, Arizona, port on August 24, 2026, with plans to gradually reopen Santa Teresa and Columbus ports in New Mexico.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) detected the first U.S. case of new world screwworm in June, which has since resulted in 42 domestically acquired animal cases. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins underscored the necessity of the ports’ closure, stating it was integral for safeguarding the U.S. livestock industry.
The neighboring Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua have been identified as posing the lowest risk for new world screwworm infestations. The reopening schedule will remain flexible, adapting to Mexico’s progress in implementing measures to minimize the risk of spread.
Rollins is actively pursuing a five-pronged plan aimed at eradicating NWS, which includes collaboration with Mexico to develop a risk-based trapping plan. Additionally, the USDA has allocated nearly $105 million for 40 projects under the NWS Grand Challenge to bolster eradication efforts.
Various livestock groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA), have endorsed the reopening decision. Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute, emphasized the importance of a cautious yet confident approach in the reopening process to cater to consumer demand, particularly given current supply constraints of U.S. cattle.
The NCBA hailed the government’s comprehensive response, asserting that it positions the U.S. well for a careful reopening of borders, which will ultimately help normalize business operations in border states and the Southern Plains. They noted improvements in domestic readiness, crucial for producers.
TSCRA highlighted the value of the closure period, allowing for enhanced surveillance, expanded production of sterile flies, and implementation of effective outbreak management protocols. TSCRA President Stephen Diebel reiterated the dual priorities of protecting the U.S. cattle herd and ensuring operational capabilities for cattle raisers.
This announcement marks the most recent attempt by the USDA to reopen trade ports. The department previously suspended live cattle, horse, and bison imports in May 2025, and a planned phased reopening was halted shortly thereafter due to new reported cases in Mexico.
In summary, the USDA’s decision to reopen the ports represents a significant step towards normalizing livestock trade while ensuring that adequate precautions are maintained to protect the U.S. cattle industry.
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