Livestock exports from Sonora to US delayed until September 8

Livestock exports from Agua Prieta, Sonora, to the United States have been temporarily suspended until September 8 due to technical failures at the quarantine station. The Unión Ganadera Regional de Sonora (UGRS) reported that on August 28, the cattle inspection chute used by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) personnel presented anomalies that posed risks to both staff and livestock.

Operations are expected to resume on Tuesday, September 8, following the replacement of the equipment and the necessary curing time for new flooring. The delay is further impacted by the Labor Day holiday in the United States on Monday, September 7.

This suspension follows the recent reopening of the Douglas port for Mexican cattle on August 24, which aimed to increase daily volumes to 1,500 animals. In response to the current disruption, Sonora cattle ranchers are requesting the opening of the Nogales, Sonora quarantine facilities as an alternative, noting they possess the adequate infrastructure for reception and pre-inspection protocols.