USDA Resumes Mexican Cattle Imports at New Mexico Border
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to resume importing Mexican cattle through Columbus, New Mexico, fr.lanigua.com.mx reported. The reopening on Monday, October 26, 2026, marks the first phase of a gradual plan to restore livestock crossing points along the southern border after a prior suspension implemented to prevent the introduction of the New World screwworm parasite.
Federal officials halted the shipments last year to protect the domestic livestock sector from the parasitic pest, which infests warm-blooded animals and presents severe animal health risks. Under the current reopening schedule, the trade route will operate under strict sanitary protocols established by agricultural authorities to screen incoming herds.
Nogales Crossing Slated for November Reopening
The phased border restoration plan includes a tentative reopening at the Nogales, Arizona port of entry on November 30, 2026. This subsequent date remains contingent upon ongoing evaluations of security and sanitary conditions at the border to ensure trade can resume without compromising animal health safeguards.
Expanding the operational ports allows cattle producers greater access to US markets while maintaining compliance with federal import controls.
The port of entry at Columbus, New Mexico, will be the third crossing reopened for #imports of Mexican #cattle as of Oct. 26, the USDA said Monday, despite recent cases of New World #screwworm detected in the area.Story from @Meatingplace https://t.co/da79Dja79d
Frequently Asked Questions About the Border Reopening
Why were Mexican cattle imports initially suspended?
The US government halted shipments to prevent the introduction of the New World screwworm, a destructive parasite that threatens livestock health across the agricultural sector.
What specific port reopened first?
Imports resumed through the border crossing in Columbus, New Mexico, on October 26, 2026, following the initial rollout of the USDA’s phased plan.
When is the next border crossing scheduled to open?
The Nogales, Arizona port of entry is slated to resume cattle imports on November 30, 2026, pending final safety and sanitary evaluations.
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