Cattle Imports Resume from Mexico in July
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the phased reopening of select southern ports to livestock imports from Mexico starting July 7, 2025. This decision comes after significant improvements in the surveillance and control of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Mexico, which led to a temporary port closure in May 2025.
The first port to reopen will be Douglas, Arizona, followed by ports in New Mexico and Texas, depending on continued safety assessments. The schedule includes Columbus, NM (July 14), Santa Teresa, NM (July 21), Del Rio, TX (August 18), and Laredo, TX (September 15).
Progress has been made in sterile fly dispersal operations, now deploying over 100 million sterile NWS flies weekly. Five USDA teams have also visited Mexico to assess efforts and provide feedback. No significant rise in NWS cases or northward movement has been reported in the past two months.
Only cattle and bison born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua or treated as per NWS protocol in these regions will be allowed entry. Equines from any part of Mexico can also be imported but must undergo a 7-day quarantine.
Mexico has also begun renovating its sterile fruit fly facility in Metapa, expected to boost sterile fly production by mid-2026, aiding long-term NWS control.
“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 reopening reflects ongoing collaboration between USDA and Mexico’s SENASICA, ensuring strong biosecurity protocols are maintained to protect U.S. agriculture.
Photo Credit: usda