The administration announced that the United States will begin reopening the border to Mexican cattle imports on August 24.

The administration announced on Friday that the United States will begin lifting a suspension on Mexican cattle imports on August 24. This move follows a ban lasting more than a year caused by the spread of the New World screwworm parasite in Mexico. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that the reopening will first occur at the Douglas, Arizona border crossing. Plans are underway to subsequently reopen the Santa Teresa and Columbus crossings in New Mexico. To ensure the parasite does not spread, all imported cattle will undergo inspections and must comply with a joint action plan. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that Mexico will accelerate efforts to prepare for the resumption of cattle movement through Sonora and Chihuahua. While the screwworm has already been detected in parts of Texas and New Mexico, the reopening marks a significant step in bilateral cooperation. The Mexican livestock sector reported that the previous suspension resulted in multimillion dollar losses for the industry.

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