USDA has begun a phased reopening of Southwest ports for livestock trade, more than a year after crossings were suspended because of New World Screwworm concerns. The Douglas, Arizona, port reopened Monday, with USDA also preparing to reopen Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico. The move comes despite a recent screwworm case detected in southern Sonora, Mexico, roughly 292 miles from the U.S. border.

USDA says cattle entering the United States will undergo full inspections, with personnel, laboratory support and other resources in place. Mexico has increased surveillance and released 360-thousand sterile flies in response to the Sonora case. Meanwhile, USDA is monitoring thousands of insect traps and dispersing about 100-million sterile flies each week in Mexico and Texas as officials work to prevent the pest from moving north.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEUSDA has begun a phased reopening of Southwest ports for livestock trade, more than a year after crossings were suspended because of New World Screwworm concerns. The Douglas, Arizona, port reopened Monday, with USDA also preparing to reopen Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico. The move comes despite a recent screwworm case detected in southern Sonora, Mexico, roughly 292 miles from the U.S. border.USDA says cattle entering the United States will undergo full inspections, with personnel, laboratory support and other resources in place. Mexico has increased surveillance and released 360-thousand sterile flies in response to the Sonora case. Meanwhile, USDA is monitoring thousands of insect traps and dispersing about 100-million sterile flies each week in Mexico and Texas as officials work to prevent the pest from moving north.

USDA begins phased reopening of livestock ports