Key facts
- USDA plans to resume cattle imports from Mexico at two additional US ports of entry.
- Imports are set to restart in Columbus, New Mexico, on October 26.
- Imports are planned for Nogales, Arizona, on November 30.
- The halt on imports contributed to record high US ground beef prices.
- 56 US screwworm cases have been confirmed since June, with 5 active.
The US Department of Agriculture plans to resume cattle imports from Mexico at two additional US ports of entry, after halting shipments last year due to concerns about the New World screwworm parasite. The agency announced on Tuesday that imports are scheduled to restart in Columbus, New Mexico, on October 26, and in Nogales, Arizona, on November 30, provided trade conditions are safe. The previous import restrictions had contributed to record high US ground beef prices this year. The USDA had already resumed livestock trade in Douglas, Arizona, in August and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, in September. Horse imports are also expected to resume in Santa Teresa on October 26. The agency has confirmed a total of 56 US screwworm cases since June, with five currently active.