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Import of Live Cattle and Bison from Mexico to the United States

Last Modified: Jun 16, 2022

photo of cows in a hilly pasture

USDA APHIS regulates the importation of all ruminants and their germplasm (embryos/oocytes, semen, cloning tissue) to prevent the spread of animal diseases. Ruminants include all animals which chew the cud, such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, deer, antelopes, camels, llamas and giraffes.

Bovines and their germplasm may be imported from these countries

Southern Border Ports:

Texas: Brownsville, Hidalgo, Laredo, Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and Presidio
Arizona: Douglas, Naco, Nogales, Sasabe, and San Luis
California: Calexico and San Ysidro
New Mexico: Antelope Wells, Columbus, and Santa Teresa

Air/Ocean:

Newburg, NY
Miami, FL
Los Angeles, CA

** Please see 9CFR 93.403 for list of special/limited ports of entry

Live Domestic Cattle and Bison

Protocols for the Import of Feeder Cattle, Breeding Cattle, and Cattle for Immediate Slaughter from Mexico to the United States; no permit is required

Protocol for the Import of Sexually Intact (Breeder) Bovines from Mexico into the United States (May 2022)
Model Health Certificate: Breeding Cattle and Bison from Mexico
Protocol for the Import of Steers and Spayed Heifers Cattle and Bison (Feeders) from Mexico (April 2022)
Model Health Certificate: Feeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico
Model Health Certificate: Slaughter Cattle and Bison from Mexico
Transit Canadian Cattle and Bison to Mexico
- Questions and Answers: Transit Canadian Cattle and Bison to Mexico

Bovine Tuberculosis Requirements for Cattle from Mexico

VS Bulletin 2022.1 Bovine Tuberculosis Testing Requirements for Cattle Imported to the United States from Mexico

Additional Import Guidance

Bovine Embryos

Bovine embryos are not permitted to be imported from Mexico at this time.

Bovine Semen

Bovine semen is not permitted to be imported from Mexico at this time.

What You Need to Know

U.S. transits are classified as shipments presented to a U.S. port of entry for conveyance purposes to then be transported to a destination country shortly after.
Please note that any animals and their germplasm transiting the US must not transit countries with questionable disease statuses prior to reaching a U.S. port of entry.
All transits require a contingency plan. Please submit your contingency plan with your permit application (VS 17-129) on the E-permits website or via email at LAIPermits@usda.gov

To submit an import permit electronically, please visit APHIS eFile.

If you are applying to import live animals, semen and embryos, you may submit applications by email to LAIPermits@usda.gov

Contact Us

Live Animal Import/Export and Permitting
USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services
4700 River Road Unit 39
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301.851.3300 Option 2