FORT WORTH, Texas (August 24, 2026) — Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Stephen Diebel today issued the following statement after the United States Department of Agriculture resumed live cattle imports at the port of entry in Douglas, Arizona:
“Our members need continuity in commerce, but they also need confidence that every reasonable safeguard is in place to reduce the risk of New World screwworm. We support USDA’s phased reopening based on its science and modeling and the months of work by USDA, state partners and producers.
If any established trigger fails, we will call on USDA to immediately close the ports again.
Our priority remains protecting the U.S. cattle herd and wildlife while allowing cattle raisers and markets to normally operate. TSCRA will continue monitoring the situation and advocating for immediate action if the risk changes.
We thank Secretary Rollins, our federal and state partners and our members for their continued commitment to eradicating this pest.”
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