USDA Resumes Mexican Cattle Imports to Combat Beef Prices

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin a phased reopening of southern border ports to Mexican cattle, horses, and bison starting August 24, 2026. This ends a ban implemented in May 2025 to contain the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. The process begins at the Douglas, Arizona, port of entry, with future reopenings planned for the Santa Teresa and Columbus crossings in New Mexico pending Mexico's compliance with a joint action plan.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins noted that the closure was a necessary measure to protect American livestock, but it contributed to record-high beef prices and a 75-year low in domestic cattle supplies. Despite the ban, the USDA confirmed 42 cases of the parasite within the U.S., primarily in Texas and New Mexico, in June. To mitigate risk, every animal entering through these ports will undergo full inspections. The USDA identified the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua as the lowest-risk regions due to their distance from southern outbreaks and established health programs.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum welcomed the decision and ordered authorities to expedite export preparations. While industry groups like the Meat Institute and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller praised the move to stabilize supply chains, Miller criticized the USDA for reacting too slowly to the crisis. Conversely, R-CALF USA warned that resuming imports is premature and may incentivize the northward movement of the pest.