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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 22, 2026Miami-Dade

U.S. resumes Mexican cattle imports with new parasite screening requirements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will resume livestock imports from Mexico starting August 24 at the Douglas, Arizona, border crossing. Shipments will be subject to strict new inspection protocols, including electronic tracking and physical screening, to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm parasite.

agriculturetradelivestockborder securitypublic health
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Why It Matters

The resumption of trade aims to address U.S. beef supply shortages and price increases while managing the risk of a flesh-eating parasite that has infected livestock across 30 Mexican states.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. will resume Mexican cattle imports on August 24 at the Douglas, Arizona border crossing.
  • Initial import volume is capped at 700 cattle per day in the first week, increasing to 900 in the second week, and eventually reaching 1,300 per day.
  • All imported cattle must be fitted with radio-frequency identification (RFID) ear tags.
  • Cattle must undergo screening by electronic readers and trained dogs before crossing.
  • The New World screwworm outbreak was detected in Mexico in November 2024 and has spread to 30 of 32 states.
  • Mexico currently reports 1,969 active screwworm cases, a decline from the previous year.
  • The U.S. import ban, which lasted a year, contributed to beef supply shortages and record-high prices in the U.S.
  • Mexican ranchers reported a 40% loss in income during the export suspension.
  • The screwworm parasite can infest any warm-blooded animal, including wildlife, pets, and humans.

Who's Mentioned

locationDouglas, Arizona“The designated border crossing for resuming cattle imports.”personJuan Carlos Ochoa“President of the Regional Livestock Union of Sonora.”other1,969“Number of active screwworm cases in Mexico.”personJuan Carlos Anaya“Director of Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“The federal agency managing the import ban and new inspection protocols.”personMartín Alfonso Ibarra“A rancher in Sonora, Mexico, affected by the export ban.”locationSonora“Mexican state where the first screwworm case was recently reported.”personArturo Ruiz“Veterinarian responsible for animal health in Sonora, Mexico.”