The U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving forward with plans to reopen the Douglas, Arizona, Port of Entry to livestock trade on Aug. 24, following what Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described as one of the most rigorous livestock inspection systems ever implemented. Douglas was selected as the first port to reopen because Sonora maintains one of Mexico's strongest animal health systems and is considered the lowest-risk state for New World screwworm. Under USDA's phased reopening plan, every animal entering through Douglas will undergo multiple veterinary inspections before crossing the border. Animals that fail to meet Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service import requirements will be denied entry. Any detection of NWS would immediately halt imports through the facility. USDA said the reopening remains contingent on Mexico's continued adherence to the Joint Action Plan to combat NWS and ongoing risk assessments.
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