# Resumption of US-Mexico livestock trade

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/resumption-of-us-mexico-livestock-trade
> Updated: 2026-09-28T15:39:12.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 4.

Livestock exports from Chihuahua, Mexico, to the United States resumed on September 24, 2026, through the San Jerónimo-Santa Teresa border crossing. This reopening follows a suspension of more than 16 months caused by a sanitary contingency involving the New World screwworm.

Initial operations began with approximately 750 head of cattle. To meet USDA requirements, the San Jerónimo quarantine station has undergone infrastructure upgrades, including canine inspection teams, radio frequency readers, and enhanced pre-inspection protocols. Authorities aim to gradually increase capacity to 1,500 animals per day.

Despite the resumption, epidemiological data for week 38 highlights ongoing sanitary challenges. Chihuahua has reported 88 active cases of Cattle Screwworm (GBG), bringing the state’s total to 361 since records began. Nationally, Mexico has recorded 2,035 active cases. Within Chihuahua, Matamoros has the highest cumulative cases at 32, while Chínipas, Allende, and Balleza also report significant activity.

The screwworm threat is also complicating export efforts in Tamaulipas. Secretary of Rural Development, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Antonio Varela Flores noted that the USDA has added the parasite to its sanitary inspection requirements, alongside tuberculosis, brucellosis, and ticks. Consequently, the normalization of the export cycle in Tamaulipas may not occur until 2027, as states like Sonora and Chihuahua are expected to lead the market reopening. In response, the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas has launched a containment plan involving specialized traps and drone-based chemical control.

## Claims

- Chihuahua livestock exports to the United States resumed on September 24, 2026, via the San Jerónimo-Santa Teresa border (corroborated by 20 sources)
- The border closure was caused by a sanitary contingency involving the New World Screwworm (corroborated by 19 sources)
- The initial export flow consisted of approximately 750 head of cattle (corroborated by 17 sources)
- Authorities aim to reach a capacity of 1,500 animals per day by the fourth week (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Chihuahua cattle producers aim to export approximately 100,000 animals to the United States (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Sanitary protocols include the use of canine teams and radio frequency readers (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Tamaulipas cattle exports to U.S. delayed by screwworm threat

Screwworm outbreaks have led the USDA to add new sanitary requirements for cattle, potentially delaying Tamaulipas's access to U.S. markets until 2027 while local containment efforts intensify.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamaulipas-cattle-exports-to-us-delayed-by-screwworm-threat

### 2026-09-26: Chihuahua reports cattle screwworm cases amid livestock export reopening

Chihuahua reports 88 active cattle screwworm cases as the San Jerónimo–Santa Teresa crossing reopens for livestock exports to the United States.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chihuahua-reports-cattle-screwworm-cases-amid-livestock-export-reopening

### 2026-09-24: Santa Teresa livestock port reopens after 16-month screwworm suspension

The Santa Teresa port of entry in New Mexico has reopened for Mexican livestock imports after a 16-month suspension intended to contain the New World screwworm.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-teresa-livestock-port-reopens-after-16-month-screwworm-suspension

### 2026-09-23: Chihuahua resumes cattle exports to the United States

Chihuahua has resumed cattle exports to the United States via the San Jerónimo-Santa Teresa border after a nearly two-year closure due to the New World Screwworm contingency.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chihuahua-prepares-to-resume-cattle-exports-to-the-united-states

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Cite as: Resumption of US-Mexico livestock trade. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/resumption-of-us-mexico-livestock-trade