The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will resume imports of cattle from Mexico in August, after having suspended trade due to concerns about the presence of the New World screwworm (NWS).
The agency announced that it will open its border post in Douglas, Arizona, on August 24, and that it also plans to restart operations at the Santa Teresa and Columbus border posts in New Mexico in the near future.
“The closure of southern ports of entry over the past year has been a difficult but necessary measure to control the spread of tobacco mosaic virus in Mexico and protect the U.S. livestock industry,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Thanks to the collaborative work of the federal government, as well as state, local, and industry partners, it is now safe to reopen the Port of Douglas, Arizona, in 30 days to resume the movement of livestock that has been practiced for centuries.”
It is expected that the cattle from Mexico will pass through the states of Sonora and Chihuahua.
“All animals entering the United States through these ports will be subjected to a full inspection by the USDA to ensure they do not exhibit any signs of Pacific Northwest syndrome,” the agency said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on social media that she received a letter from Rollins regarding the resumption of livestock trade.
The USDA suspended the importation of Mexican cattle for the first time in May 2025. Black-nose syndrome (NWS) was detected last month in the United States. According to recent figures from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), 42 cases of NWS have been identified in Texas and New Mexico.
According to initial information provided by Rollins and the USDA, no port opening was planned on the Texas border.
“The reopening timeline will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico’s progress in meeting the goals of the Action Plan and in addressing critical issues,” the USDA stated.
Before the border closure, industry estimates indicated that more than one million head of cattle would be imported into the United States annually.
The Meat Institute offered an update on how this measure would benefit the meat industry.
“We support a gradual and careful reopening of the border that reflects both vigilance and confidence in our response plans,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute. “Importing cattle from Mexico allows meatpackers to better meet consumer demand, given the shortage of cattle in the United States. We will continue to support efforts to conserve heifers and expand the herd as the best way to address high beef prices for consumers.”
