General · Texas behavioral health news
U.S. will begin limited imports of Mexican cattle as screwworm outbreak continues
Texas Tribune – Health · By By Jayme Lozano Carver · July 25, 2026
In plain language
The U.S. government is preparing to restart some cattle imports from Mexico after a long closure caused by a parasite outbreak. Starting in late August, certain ports will open in phases to allow livestock back into the country under strict health rules. This decision comes while officials continue to track the New World screwworm, which has infected several dozen animals, mostly in Texas. The move aims to support the ranching industry and stabilize food supply chains that were impacted by the trade ban.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- U.S. livestock imports from Mexico will resume in phases starting August 24, 2026.
- The border has been closed to Mexican cattle since May 2025 due to a flesh-eating parasite outbreak.
- Texas has reported forty-one of the forty-two total screwworm cases found in the United States.
- Imports will first restart through the Douglas, Arizona, port because certain Mexican states are considered low-risk.
- The reopening depends on Mexico following a joint health plan to control the spread of the New World screwworm.
- Texas officials believe the move is necessary to help ranchers and prevent further disruptions to the food supply.
Cattle and calves graze at a pasture near La Pryor, Texas, on June 6, 2026. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.texastribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/20260606-La-Pryor-Cattle-REUTERS.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> The limited resumption will allow a southern port of entry in Arizona to reopen in phases. The move comes after 41 of 42 cases of screwworm have been reported in Texas. The post U.S. will begin limited imports of Mexican cattle as screwworm outbreak continues appeared first on The Texas Tribune.
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