The U.S. Department of Agriculture reopened the port at Columbus, New Mexico, to cattle imports from Mexico on Oct. 26, the third step in a phased reopening, even as much of southern New Mexico sits inside a state-designated New World screwworm-infested zone. USDA’s current status page lists Douglas, Arizona, reopened Aug. 24; Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on Sept. 24; Columbus on Oct. 26; and Nogales, Arizona, scheduled for Nov. 30.
The tension is easy to see — reopening trade helps U.S. feedlots and ranchers who rely on Mexican feeder cattle and could ease some pressure on tight cattle supplies. Containing the screwworm protects the U.S. herd from a parasite whose larvae feed on wounds in living animals, a threat USDA has spent months trying to keep north of the border.
Ports, Dates and USDA’s Safeguards
USDA describes the reopening as supported by enhanced safeguards against New World screwworm and ongoing animal health evaluations. In an Oct. 21 release carried by Feedstuffs, the agency said future decisions will depend on animal health risk, operational readiness and whether mitigation measures keep working. The Nogales date depends on conditions supporting safe trade and on inspection arrangements and infrastructure being in place…