A cattle port of entry to reopen August 24

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a coordinated and phased reopening of southern cattle ports of entry, beginning with the Douglas, AZ, port on August 24, 2026. This strategic move is contingent upon Mexico’s continued adherence to the Joint Action Plan, which aims to suppress the spread of New World screwworm (NWS) and protect the American livestock industry from this invasive pest.

Under this phased approach, the reopening of the Douglas port borders Sonora, a state recognized for its strong animal health infrastructure and successful disease control measures. While this first step is initiated, the USDA is also preparing the operational steps necessary for subsequent openings at the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports in New Mexico. The timeline remains flexible and will be adjusted based on progress meeting critical milestones in the Action Plan.

Rigorous safety protocols remain a top priority to ensure the protection of domestic herds. Every animal entering the United States through these reopened ports will undergo a full USDA inspection specifically to ensure they are free of any signs of New World screwworm. This high level of scrutiny is essential for maintaining the safety and profitability of the American livestock industry, which has faced significant challenges during the necessary closure of these ports over the past year.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins emphasized that pushing NWS back to the Darien Gap remains a top priority for the administration. The reopening of the Douglas port in 30 days marks a significant milestone in resuming the historic movement of cattle across the border, supported by the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local partners who have worked to ensure it is safe to resume trade.