By Jamie Martin
Livestock trade between the United States and Mexico is expected to resume gradually as the U.S. Department of Agriculture launches a phased reopening of southern border ports.
The first step in the plan will take place on August 24, 2026, when the Douglas, Arizona port reopens to cattle imports. USDA said all incoming animals will be carefully inspected to ensure they show no signs of New World screwworm (NWS), a pest that poses a major threat to livestock production.
“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,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins.
She continued, “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.”
The decision comes after months of efforts by animal health authorities and industry groups to reduce the risk of disease spread. USDA officials said protecting livestock remains the top priority as trade activities resume.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has provided steady, science-driven leadership by pairing innovative dispersal of sterile flies and significant federal investment to protect the U.S. livestock and poultry industry,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We support a careful, phased reopening of the border that reflects both vigilance and confidence in our response plans.
The agency identified Sonora and Chihuahua as the lowest-risk regions in Mexico due to their well-established inspection programs and strong record of animal disease management. Their distance from areas where screwworm cases are more common also contributed to the reopening decision.
USDA will closely monitor the success of the Douglas reopening before making decisions on additional border locations. Future openings may include the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports in New Mexico, which could handle cattle, bison, and horses.
Officials stressed that the reopening schedule is not fixed. Progress will depend on Mexico continuing to meet important action plan goals and maintaining strong disease-control measures. USDA also warned that port operations may be suspended if new risks are identified through inspections or audits.
The approach is designed to restore livestock movement while maintaining strong protections for producers and the broader agricultural sector. By combining trade access with strict animal health requirements, USDA hopes to support economic activity while reducing the chances of screwworm entering the United States.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: National