USDA plans to resume imports of Mexican cattle at more ports of entry

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced plans to resume importing cattle from Mexico at two additional ports of entry, following a year-long ban aimed at preventing the spread of the deadly New World screwworm parasite, according to a report on Tuesday. The USDA intends to restart cattle imports in Columbus, New Mexico, starting October 26, and potentially in Nogales, Arizona, on November 30, contingent upon safe trade conditions being met, as per a statement on X.

The cessation of Mexican cattle imports contributed to the surging prices of ground beef in the US this year, exacerbating concerns about food affordability as the nation approaches midterm elections in November. In August, the USDA resumed livestock trade at the Douglas, Arizona, port, and in September, it began importing horses at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico, port. Additionally, horse imports are scheduled to resume in Santa Teresa on October 26, according to a post on X.

Since June, the USDA has confirmed 56 cases of screwworm infestations in the US, out of which 5 are currently active, prompting the agency to take decisive action to safeguard animal health and ensure the continuity of the cattle trade with Mexico.