The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on July 25, 2026, that it will reopen several southern ports for livestock imports, lifting a ban imposed to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm (NWS). The ports in Douglas, Arizona; Santa Teresa, New Mexico; and Columbus, New Mexico, will begin a phased reopening, starting with Douglas on August 24, contingent on Mexico's compliance with the USDA's Joint Action Plan to combat the pest.
The USDA had closed multiple ports last year to control the spread of NWS, which poses a significant threat to the ranching industry in Texas and other regions. Despite the closure, the pest managed to enter Texas, with nine active cases confirmed as of July 23, 2026. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the situation is now under control, allowing for the reopening of ports.
Rollins emphasized the importance of the closure in protecting the U.S. livestock industry and noted that the reopening will resume the historical movement of cattle. She acknowledged the economic challenges posed by the closure, which contributed to rising beef prices and a decline in domestic cattle supplies.
The Biden administration initially closed the border to cattle imports in late 2024 after a case of screwworm was detected in southern Mexico. The Trump administration had temporarily reopened the border in early 2025 but closed it again in May as the pest approached the Texas-Mexico border. Experts have expressed optimism that the worst outcomes have been avoided through preparation and new treatment options.