Home / Business and Economy / Cattle Crossings Reopen After Year-Long Closure
Cattle Crossings Reopen After Year-Long Closure
15 Aug
Summary
- US cattle crossings with Mexico are reopening in phases starting August 24.
- The USDA closed crossings for over a year due to New World screwworm.
- Santa Teresa Port is a major livestock crossing, handling 500,000 head annually.
The United States is initiating a phased reopening of cattle crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border, commencing August 24 in Douglas, Arizona. These vital crossings had been closed for over a year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to concerns over the spread of the New World screwworm in Mexico.
The Santa Teresa Livestock Port of Entry, a significant hub for livestock trade, is slated to resume operations by the end of September. This port typically manages approximately 500,000 head of cattle annually, making it the busiest on the U.S.-Mexico border. Its reopening signifies a return to normal operations after the health-related closure.
Historically, the Santa Teresa port, first established in 1991, was designed to streamline the livestock import process, offering a more efficient alternative to the crowded inspection site in Juárez. Union Ganadera Regional de Chihuahua, a cooperative of livestock producers, funded the initial development of the port's facilities, aiming to improve the transit and inspection of cattle into the United States.
