US: First Mexican Cattle Cross Into US After New World Screwworm Inspections.

Douglas, United States - August 24, 2026 The first Mexican cattle inspected, treated and cleared under the USDA’s multi-layered import protocol entered the United States on August 24, 2026. USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins, APHIS Administrator Kelly Moore, APHIS Associate Administrator Michael Schmoyer and APHIS Chief Veterinary Officer Alan Huddleston observed cattle undergoing pre-export inspections at the Agua Prieta quarantine facility in Sonora, Mexico. Following spay verification, tick treatment, and New World screwworm examination and treatment by Mexican and APHIS officials, the cattle crossed the border into Douglas, AZ, where they entered U.S. holding pens. Livestock imports had been halted after New World screwworm detections in Mexico. This allowed USDA and SENASICA to expand surveillance, sterile fly dispersal and rigorous, multi-layered inspection protocols. The reopening of the port reflects verified progress under the joint U.S.-Mexico Action Plan. USDA’s phased reopening restores a critical livestock trade route, supported by comprehensive farm-level preparations and multiple pre-export veterinary inspections by Mexican and APHIS veterinarians. These inspections are intended to ensure the animals arrive free of New World screwworm and meet all U.S. import requirements.