USDA implements new protocol for Mexican cattle entering the U.S

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated a new animal health protocol to allow live feeder cattle to cross from Mexico into the United States via Douglas, Arizona. This follows an eighteen-month prohibition on such crossings due to concerns regarding the New World screwworm.

According to USDA Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Alan Huddleston, the prevention system involves three distinct stages. The process begins at the farm of origin or an export gathering center in Mexico, where accredited veterinarians inspect cattle for disease and infestation. Cattle undergo tick treatments seven to fourteen days before movement and receive specific New World screwworm preventative treatments three to five days before crossing.

Following these initial steps, cattle move to a Mexican pre-export facility before undergoing a final inspection at a USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service facility to ensure they are cleared for entry into the U.S.