Rollins Signals Cautious Path to Reopening Southern Cattle Ports
Distance of screwworm outbreak shaping USDA’s phased border strategy
Link: Video: Wiesemeyer’s Perspectives, April 17
Link: Audio: Wiesemeyer’s Perspectives, April 17
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins underscored a cautious but advancing approach to reopening southern border ports for cattle imports, emphasizing that geography — not just preparedness — will dictate the timeline.
Speaking Friday in Texas, Rollins stressed that no cases of New World screwworm (NWS) have been detected in the United States, but warned the parasite is moving closer to the southern border. She said the outbreak is now roughly 200 miles from Texas, effectively ruling out any near-term reopening of Texas ports.
Quote of note: “I want to be very, very clear. The New World screwworm is only around 200 miles from this border, so there will not be a port opening in Texas until that significantly pushes back,” Rollins said.
Despite Rollins’ remarks about 200 miles, the nearest confirmed case is now less than 100 miles from the U.S. border, according to an update delivered during an April 15 webinar hosted by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, according to the Oklahoma Farm Report.
Sigrid Johannes, the group’s Senior Executive Director of Government Affairs, reported that Mexico has recorded more than 20,000 total cases since the outbreak crossed from Guatemala, with roughly 1,240 cases still active. The majority of infections have occurred in cattle, though cases have also been identified in horses, pets, wildlife, birds, and even humans — underscoring the parasite’s broad host range and the risk of continued spread.
The most concerning development is the proximity of the outbreak to the United States. Johannes said the closest confirmed case is in Nuevo León, approximately 90 miles south of the border, initially identified in a dog with advanced larval infection. A subsequent report from Mexican authorities confirmed an additional active case in a calf in the same region, reinforcing concerns that the outbreak is becoming more entrenched in northern Mexico.
Meanwhile, Arizona and New Mexico present a different risk profile. Rollins noted the outbreak remains about 800 miles from the Douglas, Arizona, port and nearby New Mexico crossings — a distance that could support a more immediate, controlled reopening under strict safeguards.
The remarks reinforce USDA’s emerging strategy: a phased, risk-based restart that prioritizes lower-risk entry points while maintaining strict biosecurity controls to protect the U.S. cattle herd.
Rollins struck an optimistic tone about preparedness and decision-making timelines, adding, “We have never been in a better position than we are today to a path. As soon as we make a decision, we will let you know.”
The comments suggest USDA is nearing a determination, with Arizona ports — particularly Douglas — increasingly viewed as the leading candidates for the first reopening as officials balance disease risk, trade flows, and domestic supply pressures.
If the border reopens, a series of tests of cattle coming into the United States will be undertaken. The cautious approach will limit the number of cattle entering.
