Home / Business and Economy / Mexico Cattle Imports Resume After Parasite Ban
Mexico Cattle Imports Resume After Parasite Ban
26 Jul
Summary
- US cattle imports from Mexico resume August 24.
- A ban was in place due to the New World screwworm parasite.
- The closure caused significant economic challenges in Texas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on July 25, 2026, that a ban on cattle imports from Mexico will be lifted on August 24, 2026. This ban had been in place since November 2025 due to concerns over the New World screwworm parasite, which affects livestock. Douglas, Arizona, has been designated as the first port of entry for these resumed imports.
Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that while the closure was necessary to protect American livestock, it resulted in considerable economic hardship for various sectors, especially in Texas. The agriculture secretary acknowledged that the import halt contributed to higher beef prices. Despite these measures, cases of the New World screwworm were still identified within the United States even during the ban's duration.
