Stay up to date on the current status of New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States, Mexico, and Central America, including latest news and detection updates.
United States
Trade Restrictions
IMPORT: For a complete list of regions USDA recognizes as affected by screwworm and any temporary trade restrictions, visit Animal Health Status of Regions. Detailed information about import requirements for all animal species regulated by USDA is available at Live Animal Imports.
EXPORT: For detailed information about restrictions on exports of live animals, go to Live Animal Exports.
Port Closures and Reopening Updates
USDA is implementing a phased reopening of the U.S. southern border ports for cattle imports from Mexico. To date, USDA has opened or announced the planned reopening date for the following ports:
- Douglas, AZ: August 24, 2026
- Santa Teresa, NM: September 24, 2026
- Columbus, NM: October 26, 2026
- Nogales, AZ: November 30, 2026
USDA will continue to assess conditions at additional ports of entry and will make further reopening decisions based on animal health risks, operational readiness, and the continued effectiveness of mitigation measures.
These reopenings are guided by overlapping safeguards and a science-based import protocol jointly agreed upon between the United States and Mexico.
| U.S. Import Protocol: Ruminant Livestock From Mexico | |
|---|---|
| Pocket Card (93.94 KB) | Infographic (372.37 KB) |
Equine Imports
On October 20, 2026, USDA announced the reopening of the Santa Teresa port to equine imports via land crossing beginning October 26, 2026.
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 of the port of entry will remain closed at this time. USDA will consider resuming equine imports through other approved ports of entry and approved quarantine facilities, including USDA-approved facilities in Mexico, as conditions warrant and animal health safeguards continue to be met.
| U.S. Import Protocol: Equines from Mexico | |
|---|---|
| Pocket Card (104.01 KB) | Infographic (361.92 KB) |
Latest News
Report Suspected Cases of New World Screwworm
If you see any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations in animals or people, report it immediately.
Mexico
Map will be updated on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. ET. List of cases within 100 miles will be updated each business day at 5 p.m. ET.
The sterile insect release area, or polygon, is adjusted as needed to maintain broad suppression and help prevent the pest from spreading to new areas.
**Our highest priority remains protecting the United States, and USDA adjusts the sterile insect dispersal area based on science and modeling to provide the most protection.
* Mexico’s National Service of Health, Food Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) defines a case as active at the time of diagnosis. After 15 days, the case is revisited and becomes inactive if personnel verify absence of new wounds or larvae.
Learn More
Additional information on the current situation in Mexico is available via the SENASICA website.
Central America
Updated information on the current situation in Central America is available via the Panama-United States Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) website.