Santa Teresa livestock port reopens after 16-month screwworm suspension

Livestock imports into the United States have resumed at the Santa Teresa port of entry in New Mexico after a suspension lasting more than 16 months. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had previously halted trade at this major U.S.-Mexico inspection point to contain the spread of the New World screwworm, a pest that threatens livestock production.

Under new USDA safety protocols, daily cattle imports through Santa Teresa will be limited to between 750 and 1,600 animals, a reduction from historical daily peaks of approximately 3,000. Agricultural officials noted that the resumption is supported by enhanced port inspections and the ongoing release of sterile flies to suppress wild pest populations.

While the reopening restores a key trade route in the Paso del Norte region, industry experts suggest it may not immediately alleviate record-high beef prices. This is due to the five-to-eight-month timeline required for imported cattle to reach slaughter weight, combined with domestic cattle stocks reaching a 75-year low following prolonged drought.