LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume limited Mexican livestock imports through Douglas, Arizona, on August 24, beginning a phased reopening welcomed by cattle groups but conditioned on continued New World screwworm safeguards. Every animal entering through reopened ports will receive a federal inspection.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says Douglas will reopen first because neighboring Sonora has established animal-health controls and remains distant from most active cases. The closest known detection was about 325 miles away on July 22.
Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, could follow after USDA reviews the initial reopening, Mexican compliance, surveillance results, and changing disease risks. Imports may be paused again if audits or new cases indicate increased danger.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association support the measured approach, saying restored trade could normalize feeder-cattle movement across the Southern Plains. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller welcomed the decision but argued the closure lasted too long.
The reopening could increase feeder supplies and ease some replacement costs, but disease protection remains the priority. Producers will watch inspections, sterile-fly capacity, Mexican containment, and market reaction.
