USDA to Reopen Douglas, Arizona Cattle Port Amid New World Screwworm Control

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Douglas, Arizona cattle port will reopen on August 24 after a year‑long closure aimed at containing the New World Screwworm (NWS) parasite. All livestock entering through the port will undergo full USDA inspection to ensure they are NWS‑free. The decision follows cooperation with Mexican authorities, which have identified the states of Sonora and Chihuahua as low‑risk for the pest. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said progress is close to a victory but warned that the port will be shut again if risk rises. The agency also indicated that other southern livestock ports, such as Santa Teresa, Arizona and Columbus, New Mexico, could be reopened later pending continued success. Historically, NWS caused severe losses to livestock and wildlife, notably reducing Texas whitetail populations by half in the 1950s‑60s.