US Reopens Southern Cattle Ports to Mexico to Ease Beef Prices Amid Screwworm Outbreak

The USDA will lift the cattle-import ban from Mexico and open ports at Douglas, AZ, and in New Mexico to help lower beef prices ahead of the midterms, despite a continuing New World screwworm outbreak. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins framed the move as a necessary step to protect livestock and affordability, even as she faced criticism from colleagues and lawmakers who had urged earlier reopening. Ports could be closed again if the pest threat persists.