U.S. Southern Cattle Ports to Reopen Next Month After Screwworm Outbreak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that U.S. southern cattle ports will begin a phased reopening next month, following a shutdown in May due to a New World Screwworm outbreak.
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, July 25, 2026 —
WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that cattle ports along the southern U.S. border are scheduled to commence a phased reopening beginning next month. This development follows a shutdown that was enacted in May of this year, prompted by an outbreak of the New World Screwworm.
The New World Screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays its eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals, including livestock. The larvae then feed on the living flesh of the host, which can lead to severe injury, infection, and potentially death if left untreated. The presence of the screwworm necessitates strict quarantine and control measures to prevent its spread, particularly into susceptible animal populations.
The decision to close the southern cattle ports was a precautionary measure aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further infestation of U.S. livestock. The USDA has been working on eradication and containment efforts since the outbreak was identified. The specifics of the phased reopening plan, including the exact dates and the order in which ports will resume operations, were not immediately detailed in the announcement.
Further information regarding the protocols that will be in place as the ports reopen is expected to be released by the USDA. These protocols are likely to include enhanced inspection procedures and potentially new guidelines for the movement of cattle to ensure that the screwworm infestation has been successfully controlled and that there is no significant risk of reintroduction.
The economic impact of the screwworm outbreak and the subsequent port closures on the cattle industry has not been fully detailed. However, disruptions to cross-border cattle trade can have significant financial implications for ranchers, feedlots, and related businesses.
Story summarized from the original created by Sarah Davis on www.wfla.com, see more information here.
