USDA Reopens Santa Teresa Port to Mexican Cattle Imports

The United States Department of Agriculture reopened the Santa Teresa Port of Entry in New Mexico to livestock on September 24, 2026. The port had been closed since May 2025 to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a parasite that infects open wounds in animals. As the busiest livestock inspection site on the U.S.-Mexico border, Santa Teresa has historically handled over 43% of Mexican cattle imports.

To resume operations, the USDA and state officials implemented enhanced safeguards, including final inspections in Chihuahua, Mexico, additional treatment protocols, and full USDA inspections at the port. This follows the successful reopening of a smaller port in Douglas, Arizona, one month prior. Over 400 head of cattle crossed on the first day, with officials expecting nearly 800 the following day. To further suppress wild screwworm populations in Texas and New Mexico, the USDA is utilizing a sterile fly production facility in Panama.

Despite the expanded supply, industry officials expect record-high beef prices to remain stable in the short term. Imported cattle require five to eight months to reach slaughter weight, and U.S. cattle herds are currently at a 75-year low. While the USDA assesses the potential reopening of another port in Columbus, New Mexico, officials continue to monitor active screwworm cases in Texas and Grant County, New Mexico.