Full Breakdown
USDA Announces Phased Reopening of Live Cattle Imports at Douglas, Arizona
7/28/2026, 8:30:35 AM
Phased Reopening of Live Cattle Imports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin a phased reopening of Mexican cattle imports on August 24. The first entry point is the Douglas, Arizona crossing, which borders Agua Prieta, Sonora. Subsequent openings at the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports in New Mexico will follow contingent on Mexico’s compliance with the Joint Action Plan for New World screwworm (NWS) control. All cattle entering through the reopened ports will receive a full USDA inspection to confirm they are free of NWS.
Background and Context
The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating larval fly, was first reported in U.S. livestock on June 3 after a case was confirmed in Texas—the first U.S. detection in roughly five decades. The parasite spread to more than 40 animals in Texas and a single case in New Mexico. In response, the USDA closed all southern cattle ports in May 2025, a measure that remained in place for more than a year.
During the closure, the United States and Mexico retrofitted a facility in southern Mexico to mass-produce sterile screwworm flies. Releases began in summer 2026 and are intended to suppress the pest’s population across the region.
Data and Statistics
- 42 NWS cases recorded in the United States (41 in Texas, 1 in New Mexico); 9 cases still active.
- Annual live-cattle trade between the two countries averages about 1 million head.
- Arizona’s cattle-feeders estimate the port closure cost the state $261 million in lost feed, transportation, and employment revenue.
- Sonora’s ranchers, exporting roughly 350,000 head each year, faced an estimated $280 million loss in sales.
Official Statements & Responses
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs highlighted the state’s readiness to protect its cattle industry, while Arizona Department of Agriculture Director Paul Brierley noted the shift from ear-tag identification to electronic tags to reduce tissue trauma that could invite infestation.
Criticism & Opposition
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller warned that the pace and scale of the screwworm response have not matched the threat, arguing that the prolonged closure has already taken a toll on producers and disrupted supply chains.
On-the-Ground Reports
Sonora’s Regional Livestock Union president Juan Carlos Ochoa Valenzuela argued that the border “should never have been closed,” emphasizing Sonora’s robust disease-control programs. In Arizona, the Department of Agriculture announced enhanced screening protocols and the adoption of electronic identification for incoming cattle.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Economic impact assessments differ: Arizona analysts cite a $261 million loss, while Sonoran estimates suggest a $280 million shortfall. USDA officials state that the reopening can proceed safely but reserve the right to pause imports if risk assessments in Sonora or Chihuahua change, leaving the timeline for New Mexico ports uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The closure of the Southern ports of entry for the last year has been a tough but necessary action to control the spread of NWS in Mexico and protect the American livestock industry,” — Brooke Rollins, agriculture secretary
- “Arizona has consistently demonstrated its readiness to confront the challenges of screwworm, taking swift action to safeguard our cattle industry and ranchers from this latest outbreak,” — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs
- “This decision will help normalize business for cattle operations throughout the border states and Southern Plains,” — Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
