USDA reopened the Columbus, NM, port of entry Monday, October 26, for cattle imports from Mexico after months of being closed due to efforts to prevent the spread of New World screwworm (NWS). This is part of a phased plan that began two months ago with the reopening of the Douglas, AZ, port of entry August 24 and the Santa Teresa, NM, port September 24.
The importation of horses also resumed Monday, but only through the Santa Teresa port. According to updated protocols, horses and other equines imported from Mexico will continue to undergo rigorous inspection and treatment processes prior to export, followed by a seven-day quarantine period before being released into the U.S. Equines entering through Santa Teresa will complete quarantine at a USDA-approved facility located on the U.S. side of the border. Quarantine facilities on the Mexican side will remain closed.
USDA indicated it is taking a measured approach to reopening equine imports. Beginning operations at Santa Teresa will allow the agency to evaluate the implementation of the updated safeguards and confirm they are working as intended before expanding to additional locations.
For the latest information on NWS and USDA’s phased reopening of southern border ports, go to www.screwworm.gov.