Live Cattle Trade Between U.S. and Mexico to Reopen Soon After New World Screwworm Shutdown

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Monday the live-cattle trade between the U.S. and Mexico is expected to reopen soon after the trade's shutdown due to the New World Screwworm.

When will the trade be restored?

The USDA said the trade will start a phased reopening, starting imports at the Douglas, Az. entry point beginning Aug. 24. Later, two additional entry points in New Mexico will begin reopening.

What are people saying?

• USDA's New World Screwworm Rapid Response: "As we look to restore the centuries-old trade between the U.S. and Mexico on live cattle, it is important that the safety of the American cattle herd remains the priority."
• Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum: "This is a new example that dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration with mutual respect between Mexico and the United States yield great results for the benefit of our peoples."

Live cattle trade has been largely shut down between the U.S. and Mexico since late 2024, when the first New World Screwworm case in decades was detected in Mexico. The first case in Texas was detected in June, for the first time in five decades.

Through the Joint Action Plan with Mexico, imports between the two countries will begin in August, and the department estimates up to 80k head per month through the phase approach.

"We will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses and implement changes where necessary," the USDA'S New World Screwworm Rapid Response wrote on X.

The reopening will come in phases and ranchers on each side of the border are working to maintain a safe transition. According to the USDA, every animal entering the United States will go under a full USDA inspection to ensure they are free of the parasite.

Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum celebrated the reopening, saying "this is great news for Mexican ranchers."

Following the reopening, beef prices are expected to drop as cattle moves in through the southern border.