Due to an increase in New World screwworm cases, the Mexican border “is not going to open anytime soon”

“I don’t think we’re going to see cattle coming across the border at all because of that increase in their cases in Mexico.”

The U.S./Mexico border remains closed to cattle on concerns of New World screwworm, but cases are still rising for our southern neighbor.

One analyst points out that those increases will likely keep traffic at a standstill for some time.

According to Brian Hoops, the President of Midwest Market Solutions, “Their screwworm cases since July have increased by 53% which tells us that the border is not going to open anytime soon. They’re going to have to get this facility built in Texas, that’s going to take some time but in the meantime, I don’t think we’re going to see cattle coming across the border at all because of that increase in their cases in Mexico. We certainly don’t want that to happen here in the United States.”

Mexican officials say that there were more than 5,000 cases in the country as of mid-month. More than 600 of those are still active, impacting cattle, horses, sheep and even dogs.

Related Stories
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
Preserving equity through active risk management remains critical in a volatile, supply-driven market.
Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
As markets anticipate a return to normal trading following the New Year’s holiday, the possibility of the southern border re-opening to cattle is capturing much attention.
Expanding cheese exports are strengthening U.S. milk demand and reinforcing global competitiveness.