The USDA will resume the import of Mexican livestock through the Douglas port of entry in Arizona.

On July 29, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the opening of the Douglas port of entry for the import of Mexican livestock. The import ban, which had been in place for about a year due to concerns over the spread of screwworm larvae, will be lifted on August 24. As part of the measures to control the situation, the federal government will allocate 25 million dollars for the construction of a facility to release sterile flies along the border with Mexico.

To resume shipments through the Douglas port, the USDA has developed a livestock inspection system. Each animal will undergo a series of veterinary examinations, including a mandatory inspection by USDA specialists immediately before crossing the border. In the event of parasite detection, port operations will be immediately suspended. The selection of Arizona is due to the fact that the neighboring Mexican state of Sonora has one of the most effective animal health control systems.

As of July 29, according to APHIS data, 42 cases of animal infestation have been recorded in the US: 41 in Texas and one in New Mexico. Of these, 11 cases remain active. At the same time, experts emphasize that screwworm larvae do not contaminate meat or food products, so there are no risks to product safety. Import restrictions led to a decrease in the supply of livestock on the domestic market, which, under conditions of animal shortages, influenced prices.

Experts note that the resumption of operations at one port of entry is a political signal and a partial solution to the supply problem, but it does not guarantee a rapid decline in beef prices for consumers. Further plans to open ports in Santa Teresa and Columbus (New Mexico) will depend on the performance of the Douglas facility and risk assessments.

For industry workers in quarantine zones, precautionary measures remain relevant: daily examination of animals, keeping open wounds clean, and using repellents. If the presence of larvae is suspected, it is necessary to contact veterinary specialists.