U.S. resumes limited cattle imports from Mexico as screwworm outbreak subsides
The U.S. will allow limited livestock imports from Mexico starting Aug. 24 at the Douglas, Arizona, crossing, after a yearlong ban due to the New World screwworm parasite. The outbreak has spread to 30 Mexican states but active cases have dropped to less than half of last year's levels. New restrictions will cap daily imports at 700 cattle initially, and full eradication is still expected to take time.
The New World screwworm, whose larvae burrow into wounds of warm-blooded animals, was first detected in Mexico in November 2024 and has since reached 30 of the country's 32 states. The parasite has also crossed into U.S. territory, with authorities responding to confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico.
The phased reopening begins with 700 cattle daily through the Douglas, Arizona crossing, rising to 900 in week two and eventually reaching 1,300 per day. All animals must carry radio-frequency identification ear tags and pass electronic readers and trained-dog inspections conducted by USDA officials before entering Arizona. Mexico currently reports 1,969 active cases, down from more than double that figure a year ago.
The resumption of cattle imports could ease record-high U.S. beef prices that have pushed some consumers to reduce meat purchases, while Mexican ranchers may recover income lost during the yearlong halt. However, the