USDA plans to reopen another border crossing for Mexican cattle imports this week, despite continuing concerns surrounding New World screwworm. The Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry is scheduled to resume cattle shipments October twenty-sixth. It would become the third crossing reopened under USDA's phased plan to restore livestock trade with Mexico. Earlier reopenings occurred at Douglas, Arizona, in August and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, in September.

The move comes despite recent screwworm detections in southwestern New Mexico and the discovery of the parasite in an elk in Pecos County, Texas. New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe injuries or death in affected animals. USDA says enhanced inspections and animal health safeguards are intended to reduce the risk of spreading the parasite. Another crossing at Nogales, Arizona, is tentatively scheduled to reopen November 30th.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEUSDA plans to reopen another border crossing for Mexican cattle imports this week, despite continuing concerns surrounding New World screwworm. The Columbus, New Mexico, port of entry is scheduled to resume cattle shipments October twenty-sixth. It would become the third crossing reopened under USDA's phased plan to restore livestock trade with Mexico. Earlier reopenings occurred at Douglas, Arizona, in August and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, in September.The move comes despite recent screwworm detections in southwestern New Mexico and the discovery of the parasite in an elk in Pecos County, Texas. New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe injuries or death in affected animals. USDA says enhanced inspections and animal health safeguards are intended to reduce the risk of spreading the parasite. Another crossing at Nogales, Arizona, is tentatively scheduled to reopen November 30th.

USDA to reopen 3rd border crossing for Mexican cattle imports