US, Mexico to Reopen Livestock Ports After Closure

The United States and Mexico will jointly begin a phased reopening of border ports for cattle, bison, and equine imports starting July 7, following a two-month closure prompted by the spread of the flesh-eating New World screwworm. The first port to reopen will be Douglas, Arizona, with additional ports in New Mexico and Texas scheduled to reopen in stages through mid-September, each subject to review based on pest control effectiveness. Both countries have scaled up pest management, including the weekly dispersal of over 100 million sterile flies and increased surveillance, with no recent northward spread of the screwworm in Mexico. Investments have been made in sterile fly production and enhanced cooperation to prevent further outbreaks. USDA officials stress ongoing vigilance and collaboration with Mexican agencies to protect American livestock. The screwworm, a parasitic fly eradicated in the U.S. decades ago, poses a severe threat to livestock and other warm-blooded animals.