By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin reopening select ports for cattle, bison, and equines from Mexico starting July 7, 2025. This move follows progress in controlling the New World Screwworm (NWS) and enhanced collaboration with Mexican officials.
The reopening begins with the Douglas, Arizona port, followed by Columbus and Santa Teresa in New Mexico, and later ports in Texas including Del Rio and Laredo. Each phase depends on risk assessments and Mexico’s adherence to animal movement controls and NWS prevention.
Since the May 2025 suspension, Mexico has significantly improved NWS surveillance and has resumed sterile fly dispersal at full capacity—releasing over 100 million flies weekly. No increase in NWS cases or spread northward has been reported in the last eight weeks.
USDA officials visited Mexico to evaluate control efforts and support improvements. Only cattle and bison from Sonora or Chihuahua, or those treated as per NWS protocols in those states, are eligible for import. Equines can be imported from any Mexican state but must undergo a 7-day quarantine.
Mexico also started renovating its Metapa fly facility to increase sterile fly output to help maintain the NWS barrier at the Darien Gap. Renovation is expected to finish by July 2026.
“At USDA we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made good progress with our counterparts in Mexico to increase vital pest surveillance efforts and have boosted sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”
The USDA and Mexico’s SENASICA continue efforts to prevent NWS incursions and strengthen biosecurity through education, surveillance, and improved inspection procedures. These steps aim to safely resume trade while safeguarding U.S. animal agriculture.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National