USCA Statement NWS Ports Open

USCA Calls USDA Plan to Reopen Southern Ports to Livestock Imports Premature During NWS Outbreak

WASHINGTON D.C. - The United States Cattlemen's Association issued the following statement regarding USDA's announcement to reopen southern ports:

"USCA is strongly concerned regarding the announcement by USDA to reopen southern ports into Mexico during the current New World screwworm (NWS) outbreak. Reopening at this time would not only undermine the investments made to keep NWS out of the United States since its original eradication in 1966, but it could also have severe animal health and economic repercussions nationwide. Any consideration of reopening ports of entry for live cattle or other susceptible livestock from affected regions is, in our view, premature and could jeopardize our cattle herd health and the broader U.S. animal agriculture sector.

Until APHIS has full confidence in sustained containment and eradication of these outbreaks, and all necessary safeguards have been independently verified and communicated to the industry, USCA urges USDA to maintain full restrictions on southern port entries for susceptible livestock," USCA President Justin Tupper said.

Background

The NWS outbreak in Mexico and Central America, as outlined by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), presents a significant risk to U.S. cattle producers. On Monday June 30th, USDA released a timeline that would allow ports to reopen as early as July 7th. This news is coming just weeks after Secretary Rollins announced the groundbreaking of a domestic sterile fly dispersal facility in south Texas.

USCA appreciates continued vigilance on this issue and the transparent communication from both APHIS and industry partners and stands ready to support all efforts to protect U.S. cattle health and the integrity of our industry.

USCA members with Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)

USCA members with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)

USCA members with Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY)

USCA members meeting with Kyle Varner and Allie Lock from Senate Agriculture Committee Minority staff.