The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) suspended imports of live cattle and bison from Mexico on Nov. 22, 2024, after detecting New World screwworm (NWS) near Mexico’s southern border. This decision aimed to prevent the spread of NWS, a pest that poses serious risks to cattle health. Since the suspension, U.S. and Mexican authorities have collaborated to establish enhanced screening measures for live animal imports.

Imports of Mexican feeder cattle were expected to partially resume during the week of Jan. 20, beginning with a cautious initial phase to implement and evaluate new safety protocols. Full-scale imports will resume later, once these measures are refined and proven effective.

The reopening timeline depends on several factors, including facility inspections and protocol implementation. Facilities must undergo inspections and approvals before operations can resume, and imported animals will require a seven-day quarantine following health checks to ensure safety standards are met. The Santa Teresa, New Mexico, port has been prioritized for resuming operations due to its significance in cross-border livestock trade.