The United States is reopening its largest livestock inspection port at the border, which will increase the supply of cattle in the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had temporarily closed the port in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, last year to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that can infest livestock and cause severe health issues. The port is set to reopen this Thursday, allowing for more cattle imports from Mexico. However, experts say this will not immediately bring down beef prices, which have reached record highs. The concern over the screwworm began in June when a case was confirmed in a Texas calf, sparking worries among ranchers and affecting beef markets. Although the pest has remained relatively contained, the USDA has determined that trade with Mexico can now safely expand, even as new cases are reported in Mexico. Currently, the U.S. has two active cases, including an infected horse in New Mexico, located about 160 miles from Santa Teresa. High food prices continue to be a major economic concern, especially with the upcoming November midterm elections. Despite efforts by former President Donald Trump to lower retail prices through measures like low-tariff imports and investigations into meatpackers, beef prices have remained high. Experts explain that the reopening of the port will not lead to a quick drop in store prices because Mexican cattle take five to eight months to grow to slaughter weight. Additionally, prolonged dry weather over the past seven years has led U.S. ranchers to maintain smaller herds. "There's not going to be a change in beef supply from those cattle crossing the border anytime soon," said Jeff Stolle, vice president of marketing for Nebraska Cattlemen. The U.S. cattle stock dropped to 86.2 million in January, the lowest in 75 years. American ranchers have traditionally relied on Mexican livestock to meet demand, with Santa Teresa handling about 43% of these imports in the past five years. Under new USDA health protocols, daily cattle crossings at Santa Teresa are expected to range between 750 and 1,600 animals, down from a peak of around 3,000 per day. New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte said the impact of the reopening will be limited, but it could help ease pressure on feedlots that are currently operating below full capacity. A smaller crossing point in Douglas, Arizona, has already resumed imports and processed around 6,500 cattle. The USDA plans to assess the possibility of reopening another port in Columbus, New Mexico, soon.