SANTA TERESA, NEW MEXICO (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The Santa Teresa International Livestock Crossing, closed for most of the year due to detections of the New World Screwworm in Mexico, could soon receive clarity on its reopening timeline after a USDA inspection scheduled for Dec. 9. <\/p>\n
The USDA has outlined strict requirements for reopening, including no active screwworm cases in the region supplying the port, documented animal-health checks, certified inspection protocols, and livestock movement controls. <\/p>\n
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the screwworm as “one of the most devastating livestock pests ever encountered in North America” and emphasized ongoing efforts with USDA and Mexican officials to prevent its spread to Texas.<\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on Santa Teresa livestock crossing awaits USDA inspection for reopening (Credit: KFOX)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Screwworm outbreak cripples cattle trade, costs jobs and raises beef prices<\/a><\/p>\n The prolonged closure has significantly impacted the local economy, with the Border Industrial Association reporting millions of dollars in lost activity for shippers, ranchers, and support businesses. <\/p>\n Beef prices have reportedly more than doubled in some areas since the shutdown. <\/p>\n Daniel Manzanares, director of the Santa Teresa Livestock Crossing, noted that the facility, which typically processes about 3,000 head of cattle daily, has seen a drastic reduction in volume this year. “It\u2019s usually bustling you\u2019d see these pens full. Right now … nothing,” Manzanares said.<\/p>\n