Cattle ranchers in Mexico's northern state of Sonora are preparing to resume exports to the United States after more than a year of disruptions caused by the spread of the New World screwworm, but they say the initial flow of cattle will be too small to quickly clear a backlog. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
On August 17-18, 2026, preparations are underway at the regional cattle ranchers' association in Hermosillo for the reopening of the U.S. border to Mexican cattle imports. Veterinarians are inspecting calves destined for export, applying antibiotics to an injured eye. Ranchers are unloading calves into pens and selling them at auctions.
Photographs taken by AP photographer Fernando Llano capture this process. A veterinarian applies antibiotics to a calf's injured eye during an inspection for export to the United States at the regional cattle ranchers' association in Hermosillo on August 18, 2026. Another image shows a rancher unloading calves at the pens ahead of the announced reopening of the U.S. border on August 17, 2026. Also depicted are calves feeding prior to inspection, a cattle handler moving calves during an auction, and calves standing in pens.
According to industry representatives, initial shipments will be limited, so clearing the accumulated backlog may take a long time. This situation arises after more than a year of export restrictions caused by the spread of the New World screwworm.
The restrictions on U.S. imports of cattle have had a significant economic impact on Mexican ranchers. Now the reopening of the border provides new opportunities, although a small volume of exports is expected initially.
This news is based on a report by Associated Press correspondent Fabiola Sánchez. Photos were taken by Fernando Llano. Video material was prepared by Fernanda Pesce.