Mexican cattle began crossing into Douglas, Arizona, Monday for the first time in more than a year as federal officials reopened the livestock port under strict safeguards after active New World screwworm cases in Mexico declined.
The Douglas crossing became the first Southwest border livestock port to resume Mexican cattle imports, according to Border Report. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said the reopening is part of a phased plan tied to Mexico’s compliance with a joint animal-health strategy. Every animal must undergo inspection before entering the country.
Imports are initially capped at 700 head per day, rising to 900 next week and approximately 1,300 the following week. New rules require radio-frequency identification tags, electronic scanning and inspections by trained dogs. Mexican and U.S. officials checked cattle before the first animals moved from Agua Prieta, Sonora, into Douglas.
New World screwworm larvae enter wounds and feed on living tissue, sometimes causing fatal injuries. Mexico’s outbreak, detected in November 2024, has spread to 30 of its 32 states, but active cases have fallen to less than half the level reported a year ago. USDA has identified 46 cases in Texas and New Mexico, with two still active.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said federal officials had taken extensive precautions before reopening. The agency may next consider ports in Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico, but said the schedule could change if risks rise in Sonora or Chihuahua. Texas ports will remain closed for now.
The May 2025 shutdown hurt Mexican ranchers and tightened an already strained U.S. cattle supply. Mexico traditionally provides about 1.1 million cattle annually, roughly 3% of the American total. Economists caution the reopening is unlikely to lower beef prices soon because the U.S. herd remains at its smallest level in 75 years.
