Current Status

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

Currently, all southern ports of entry are closed to livestock trade.

USDA proposes a phased reopening of Southern ports to livestock trade, contingent upon satisfactory progress on priority Action Plan milestones. 

• Sonora and Chihuahua are identified as the lowest-risk Mexican states for New World screwworm due to their strong, well-established inspection programs and their geographic distance from southern Mexico, where most cases are concentrated. 
• On August 24, 2026, USDA will reopen the Douglas, AZ port, which borders Sonora, to livestock trade. The closest active case to Douglas, AZ Port is ~325 miles detected on July 22, 2026.  After evaluating the success of the initial reopening and potential impacts or risk assessment changes, APHIS will then consider reopening the Santa Teresa, NM and Columbus, NM ports to live cattle, bison, and horses. 
• The reopening timeline will remain flexible and may be adjusted based on Mexico’s progress in meeting Action Plan milestones and addressing critical issues. 
• The opening of ports may be paused if USDA identifies increased risk in Sonora or Chihuahua via post-opening audits or other observations/information.

USDA Continues To Lead Aggressive National NWS Response