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Arizona-Sonora border will be 1st to reopen to cattle after New World screwworm outbreak
KJZZ • • nation
Key Points:
- The U.S.-Mexico border will reopen to cattle crossings in Arizona starting August 24, after a closure exceeding one year to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm parasite.
- The reopening will begin at the Agua Prieta-Douglas crossing from Sonora into Arizona, with Sonora having no reported cases of the parasite and being considered a low-risk area by the USDA.
- Arizona plans to enhance cattle screening protocols, including using electronic identification instead of ear tags to reduce the risk of parasite infestation in livestock.
- The U.S. and Mexico have collaborated to produce sterile New World screwworm flies at a new facility in southern Mexico, employing a proven method to control and prevent parasite outbreaks.
- Officials from both countries emphasized strong cooperation and coordination in managing the screwworm threat and ensuring the safe reopening of the border for livestock trade.
