USDA Keeps Southern Border Closed to Livestock as 12 Screwworm Cases Fuel Reopening Fight
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 15
USDA Keeps Southern Border Closed to Livestock as 12 Screwworm Cases Fuel Reopening Fight
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 15
Summary
Brooke Rollins said the southern border will remain closed indefinitely to livestock imports, extending restrictions that have already blocked animals from Mexico for about a year.
USDA says containing and eventually eradicating New World screwworm remains the priority, with 12 U.S. cases confirmed as of Sunday night and no animals allowed through Texas, New Mexico or Arizona ports.
New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte and several Republicans are pressing for a controlled reopening, arguing the shutdown is disrupting two-way commerce and leaving roughly 1 million cattle stranded on the Mexican side.
Other Republicans, including Sens. Jerry Moran and Deb Fischer, warn easing the restrictions could trigger more screwworm incursions and further damage the U.S. beef supply.
The border debate comes as USDA also moves to rebuild the domestic herd by expanding grazing access on National Forest lands and streamlining permits.