The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin reopening ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border for live cattle, bison and horses as early as July 7.
The move comes after nearly two months of closures caused by the threat of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae burrow into the open wounds and soft tissues of warm-blooded animals, feeding on living flesh, affecting livestock, pets and, in rare cases, humans.
If left untreated, infestations can cause severe injury or death. The pest poses a serious threat to U.S. agriculture, especially to cattle, which led the USDA to halt live animal imports from Mexico in May. That closure is now being lifted following weeks of monitoring and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican agricultural officials.
The announcement was made June 30 by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, following risk assessments by USDA staff in Mexico and months of collaboration between U.S. and Mexican agriculture officials.
Ports were originally closed May 11 after NWS was detected within 700 miles of the U.S. border. Since then, both countries have increased surveillance, inspections and pest control efforts to prevent the screwworm from spreading.
“We’ve made real progress with Mexico to fight the New World screwworm and protect American ranchers,” Rollins said. “These actions by the Trump administration are helping us reopen trade while keeping our border safe.”
The shutdown has had a wide-ranging effect on the U.S. cattle industry, especially in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, where ranchers rely heavily on young cattle fattened and raised for meat imported from Mexico. These feeder cattle from Mexico are essential to U.S. beef production. From 1930 to 2024, the U.S. imported an average of over 700,000 head per year. In the past 25 years, that number has grown to more than 1.15 million head annually.
The border closure from May 11 to July 7 blocked approximately 172,500 cattle from entering the U.S., approximately 15% of the annual average. Each head was estimated to generate an average of $415 in export value, so the conservative estimated loss in beef export opportunity is more than $71 million. The closure caused a shortage in cattle supply, increased livestock prices and added pressure to feedlots, meat processors and grocery stores; retail beef prices climbed, and some producers were forced to delay operations due to the disruption in cattle flow.
The ongoing and potential future threat of the pest has received mixed reactions; some agricultural leaders applauded USDA’s decision to reopen, while others warned it may be too early.
Scott Blubaugh, president of the American Farmers & Ranchers Cooperative, expressed concern stating, “We cannot afford to jeopardize the entire U.S. cattle herd by taking unnecessary risks. New World screwworms pose a significant threat to the health of the U.S. cattle herd and the economic livelihood of thousands of U.S. ranchers.”
In contrast, the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the news. “The decisive actions taken today ensure protection of the U.S. herd, while at the same time allowing for commerce to continue under stringent animal health inspection and treatment protocols,” said TCFA Chairman Robby Kirkland. “This is a measured, thoughtful approach by Secretary Rollins,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We strongly support USDA’s five-pronged plan to fight the screwworm.”
That five-part plan includes:
• Renovating Mexico’s sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico.
• Building a new fly dispersal center at the Moore Air Base in South Texas.
• Increasing sterile fly releases.
• Expanding technical oversight in Mexico.
• Enforcing stricter livestock movement controls.
As part of the five-part plan and in an ongoing effort to control and eventually eradicate these pests, the USDA announced on June 18, its plans to build a sterile fruit fly eclosion and release facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The one-story facility will span approximately 30,000 square feet and include two aircraft staging canopies. Several Texas lawmakers praised USDA’s quick action and the new facility planned at the air base. By July 2026, Mexico's sterile fly facility should be fully renovated. Once both facilities are fully operational, they're expected to produce up to 100 million sterile flies per week, a crucial step in wiping out screwworms for good.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the plan a vital step to defend the U.S. livestock industry, stating, “Texas is on the front lines of the threat. Proactive measures like this dispersal facility are critical to respond swiftly and effectively.” Rep. Monica De La Cruz (Texas-15) thanked Rollins for accepting her proposal to locate the facility in her district. “If we do not act now, the New World screwworm will devastate Texas livestock and wildlife.” Rep. Tony Gonzales (Texas-32) called the Moore Air Base facility a major win, “From the STOP Screwworms Act to securing funding, I’m committed to eliminating this parasite.”
Port Reopening Schedule:
• Douglas, Arizona – July 7
• Columbus, New Mexico – July 14
• Santa Teresa, New Mexico – July 21
• Del Rio, Texas – Aug. 18
• Laredo, Texas – Sept. 15 Each port will be reevaluated after reopening to ensure there are no new NWS outbreaks or signs of northward movement. All imports must meet USDA-APHIS inspection standards to prevent the spread of disease and pests. Cattle and bison imports will be limited to animals from Sonora or Chihuahua, or those treated under USDA’s NWS protocol. Horses may come from any state in Mexico but must complete a 7-day quarantine at approved ports like Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
As trade resumes, USDA says it will continue monitoring the border, enforcing inspection protocols, and working with Congress and Mexican officials to protect U.S. agriculture. “NCBA and our state affiliate partners will continue working with USDA and key members of Congress to protect the United States from New World screwworm,” said Woodall.
The phased strategic openings of the ports are expected to bring significant economic relief for both Mexico and the United States.