U.S. Reopens Major Border Port for Mexican Cattle Amid Screwworm Concerns

The United States is set to reopen a major livestock inspection port on the border with Mexico, allowing more Mexican cattle into the country despite continued concerns over New World screwworm.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said livestock trade will resume at the Santa Teresa port in New Mexico. The facility handled about 43 percent of U.S. cattle imports from Mexico over the past five years before the trade restrictions were introduced.

Officials expect between 750 and 1,600 cattle to enter the port daily under treatment and inspection requirements designed to prevent infected animals from entering the country.

However, the reopening is not expected to reduce beef prices immediately. Experts say Mexican cattle would take about five to eight months to reach slaughter weight, while U.S. cattle supplies remain limited.

The U.S. had about 86.2 million cattle in January, the lowest level in 75 years. Prolonged dry conditions have contributed to smaller herds, keeping supplies tight.

USDA says the decision to reopen the port follows a limited number of confirmed screwworm cases in the United States and measures including the release of sterile flies to control the pest.

The agency is also considering reopening another livestock port in Columbus, New Mexico.