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US Inspectors Audit Sonora Cattle Controls as Mexico Seeks Earlier Border Reopening

A federal support program seeks a pivot to processed beef to cushion producers during the screwworm shutdown.

Overview

  • USDA technical teams began a five‑day verification in Sonora on Sept. 8 to assess sanitary protocols at entry points, quarantine stations and feedlots, with additional document reviews for other northern states.
  • Findings from the visit will guide decisions on resuming live‑cattle exports, as Mexico works with US counterparts to bring forward a reopening that Washington currently targets for November.
  • Sonora officials reported a reduction in active screwworm monitoring traps to about 60 from just over 400, citing this as a positive indicator under review.
  • Mexico launched the Programa Integral de Producción de Carne de Alta Calidad, starting with 3,000 breeding bulls for Sonora, Durango and Coahuila, and a financing model of 70,000 pesos per head shared by federal, state and producer contributions.
  • President Claudia Sheinbaum said credits under the program are expected to start next week, while industry groups estimate losses of roughly $1.3 billion and at least 650,000 head halted since the latest suspensions.