What You Need to Know
• The United States will reopen its border to Mexican cattle imports on August 24, 2023.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture will start imports at the Douglas, Arizona border crossing.
• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the reopening and emphasized cooperation between the two nations.
The United States Department of Agriculture announced that it will resume imports of Mexican cattle starting on August 24, 2023, after a suspension lasting over a year due to the New World screwworm outbreak in Mexico. The reopening will commence at the Douglas, Arizona border crossing, which connects to Agua Prieta in Mexico’s Sonora state. Additional border crossings in New Mexico, including Santa Teresa and Columbus, will also reopen, although specific dates have not been provided. The screwworm has been detected in Texas and southeastern New Mexico, with over 30 cases reported. In Mexico, the outbreak began in November 2024 and has affected 29 of the 32 states, with 1,792 active cases reported. U.S. authorities will implement a joint action plan to ensure compliance and prevent the entry of screwworm larvae during inspections of the imported cattle.
Why It Matters
The reopening of the U.S. border to Mexican cattle imports is significant for both countries’ agricultural sectors, particularly in light of the economic losses incurred during the suspension. The Mexican livestock industry estimates that the ban has resulted in multimillion-dollar losses. The New World screwworm, a parasite affecting warm-blooded animals, poses health risks, which necessitated the import restrictions. The cooperation between the United States and Mexico in addressing this issue reflects a broader commitment to agricultural trade and biosecurity measures.
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