USDA: Phased reopening for livestock in southern U.S. ports

USDA will begin reopening the southern border to cattle imports from Mexico next month after determining conditions have improved in the fight against New World screwworm. The Agriculture Department says the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry will reopen August 24 for cattle from Mexico’s Sonora state. Additional ports at Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, could reopen later if Mexico continues meeting animal health requirements. Every animal entering the U.S. will undergo a full USDA inspection for signs of New World screwworm. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says, “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.” USDA says reopening plans remain flexible and could be paused if the screwworm risk increases.