USDA Reopens Border to 700 Mexican Cattle a Day as Screwworm Fears Split Ranchers
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 22
USDA Reopens Border to 700 Mexican Cattle a Day as Screwworm Fears Split Ranchers
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 22
Summary
Douglas, Arizona, will reopen on Aug. 24 for Mexican livestock, with imports initially capped at 700 cattle a day under RFID tracking, inspections and chemical dipping despite a new screwworm case in Sonora.
USDA says Sonora’s controls and the lack of broader infestations justify moving ahead, while reserving the right to halt reopenings if the pest threatens the U.S. herd.
U.S. ranchers are split because record cattle prices have boosted their income, but the administration is under pressure to ease beef costs before the 2026 midterms; industry groups say more imports could depress domestic prices.
Mexican producers say the closure cost them up to $1,000 per animal and pushed more cattle into Mexico’s own supply chain, helping lift boxed beef exports to the U.S. by 22% and straining American meatpackers.