SANTA TERESA, N.M. (RFD News) — Mexican feeder cattle are beginning to move through Santa Teresa under added safeguards designed to reduce New World screwworm risk. Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Laphe LaRoe says he watched roughly 400 to 500 head cross during the first movement he observed.
LaRoe, also Director of Operations with Smith Cattle Company in Amarillo, says cattle are first inspected by Mexican officials for wounds, blemishes and proper identification. The identification system allows animals to be traced back to the ranch of origin.
At the U.S. port, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams inspect the cattle again. LaRoe says every animal receives a hands-on inspection before entering the United States.
The cattle he observed generally weighed between 500 and 800 pounds. LaRoe expects reopening volume to increase gradually as additional crossing locations resume operations.
He cautions that cattle numbers may remain below levels seen before screwworm-related border restrictions.
