U.S. to Resume Cattle Imports from Mexico Amid New Screwworm Cases

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that the Douglas, Arizona crossing—paired with Agua Prieta, Sonora—will reopen in late August 2026 after a year-long suspension. Initial shipments will be limited to 700 head of cattle per day for the first week, rising to 900 the following week and eventually to 1,300 as the phased schedule progresses. All cattle must carry RFID tags and will be inspected by USDA officials, trained dogs and electronic readers before crossing the border.

Mexico resumes livestock sales to US under tight controls over screwworm risk

The New World screwworm fly, a flesh-eating parasite, was first detected in Mexico in November 2024 and spread to most states. The United States imposed a ban on Mexican cattle imports in May 2025, citing animal-health risks. The ban strained beef supplies and reduced Mexico’s cattle export revenue, which had been about $1.2 billion the previous year.

Associated PressMexico resumes livestock sales to US under tight controls over screwworm risk UsNews and World ReportDrovers

• Active screwworm cases in Mexico: 1,969.

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• Regional hotspots: Chihuahua reports 75 cases; Sonora confirmed its first case in mid-August near Munihuasa.

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• U.S. cases: USDA reported 46 confirmed infections on June 3.

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• Sterile-fly releases: Sonora’s Ministry of Agriculture has deployed 360,000 sterile flies; a joint U.S.–Mexico effort disperses about 100 million sterile flies weekly.

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• Export limits: 700 cattle/day (week 1) -> 900 cattle/day (week 2) -> up to 1,300 cattle/day (later weeks).

Mexico resumes livestock sales to US under tight controls over screwworm risk

• USDA (X post): The agency affirmed that the Douglas reopening will proceed as scheduled, emphasizing “no plans to change” the timeline despite the new Sonora case. USDA officials also noted that personnel, laboratory capacity and inter-agency coordination are in place to safeguard American agriculture.

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• Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo: Announced activation of emergency surveillance, containment and control protocols following the detection of the first local screwworm case.

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• USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): Stated that the phased reopening is “flexible” and will be paused if risk assessments deem it necessary.

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• “We are at a complicated moment when we need authorities to think less politically and more technically and reasonably,” — Juan Carlos Ochoa

Mexico resumes livestock sales to US under tight controls over screwworm risk

Resuming cattle imports is intended to ease the U.S. beef shortage that has driven record-high consumer prices, while restoring a revenue stream for Mexican ranchers. The inspection regime seeks to prevent the screwworm from establishing a foothold in U.S. livestock populations, protecting both agricultural economies.

Mexico resumes livestock sales to US under tight controls over screwworm risk

If the initial phase proceeds without incident, USDA officials indicate that additional border crossings could be opened to Mexican livestock. Ongoing sterile-fly releases and surveillance will continue throughout the season, with the Metapa facility preparing to produce the next-generation “NovoFly” to boost the sterile-insect technique. Monitoring will be adjusted as conditions evolve, ensuring that trade can expand while animal-health safeguards remain in place.

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