Cattle Imports Resume Through Key Ports

First Livestock Port Opens July 7 Under Strict NWS Rules

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has introduced a step-by-step reopening of livestock trade along the U.S.–Mexico border. The phased plan starts July 7 at the Douglas, Arizona, port, allowing cattle, bison, and horses from Mexico.

This reopening follows joint efforts between USDA’s APHIS and Mexico to stop the spread of New World screwworm (NWS). Since port closures on May 11, the USDA has resumed daily sterile fly flights in Mexico, releasing over 100 million flies each week to fight the pest.

“No notable increase in reported NWS cases in Mexico, nor any northward movement of the pest, has been seen over the past eight weeks,” the USDA said. 

Douglas, AZ, was selected first because of its low-risk location and strong partnership with the Mexican state of Sonora. More ports will open only after full safety reviews.

The planned timeline for reopening is:

• July 14 – Columbus, NM
• July 21 – Santa Teresa, NM
• August 18 – Del Rio, TX
• September 15 – Laredo, TX

To protect U.S. livestock, only cattle and bison from Sonora or Chihuahua, or those treated according to official NWS protocol, will be accepted. Coahuila and Nuevo Leon must also adopt these standards for their ports to reopen.

The USDA will monitor each phase to ensure livestock safety and prevent pest spread. This plan promotes safe trade while protecting animal health across borders.