USDA Announces Phased Reopening of Southern Border for Livestock Trade
July 1, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a phased reopening of five key southern ports for livestock trade, following positive evaluations of Mexico’s response to the New World Screwworm outbreak. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) determined that Mexican authorities have effectively controlled the pest, clearing the way for a cautious resumption of cross-border animal movements.
The reopening begins July 7 at Douglas, Arizona, and will continue with additional ports reopening each week: Columbus, New Mexico on July 14; Santa Teresa, New Mexico on July 21; Del Rio, Texas on August 18; and Laredo, Texas on September 15.
“The phased approach allows USDA to closely monitor conditions after each reopening to ensure there are no adverse effects to U.S. agriculture,” the agency said in a statement.
The New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly that can devastate livestock populations, prompted temporary closures earlier this year to prevent its spread into the U.S. APHIS experts have since confirmed that eradication and surveillance efforts by Mexico’s agriculture officials were successful and aligned with international standards.
Each reopened port will undergo continued monitoring, and the USDA will reassess after each phase to verify that the risk remains minimal.
The reopening is expected to restore critical livestock trade routes that support ranchers, exporters, and border economies. The USDA emphasized that it remains committed to both trade and animal health, ensuring that economic activity can resume without jeopardizing biosecurity.
Producers and transporters are advised to stay updated with USDA guidelines and coordinate with APHIS field offices as operations resume. The agency will provide further updates if conditions change or additional safeguards are needed.
This careful return to livestock trade marks a major step in supporting agricultural resilience while maintaining strict animal health protections.
