Importing Live Cattle and Bison from Mexico to the United States
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.
Requirements
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
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 (1.42 MB) (May 2022)
- Model Health Certificate: Breeding Cattle and Bison from Mexico (73.96 KB)
- Protocol for the Import of Steers and Spayed Heifers Cattle and Bison (Feeders) from Mexico (407.16 KB) (April 2022)
- Model Health Certificate: Feeder Cattle and Bison from Mexico (73.92 KB)
- Model Health Certificate: Slaughter Cattle and Bison from Mexico (73.92 KB)
- Transit Canadian Cattle and Bison to Mexico (39.39 KB)
Bovine Tuberculosis Requirements for Cattle from Mexico
Additional Import Guidance
- VSG 13416.2 Spayed Heifers from Mexico (1.21 MB)
- VSG 13414.2 Branding Requirements for Imported Mexican Bovines (275.98 KB) (Cattle/Bison)
Bovine embryos are not permitted to be imported from Mexico at this time.
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. Notice Regarding APHIS Live Animal Import and Third-Country Import Transit Permits (272.29 KB).
- Please note that any animals and their germplasm transiting the United States 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) to laipermits@usda.gov. To submit an import permit electronically, 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 Imports
For questions about import permits or permit applications:
Live Animal Import Permit Team
Email: laipermits@usda.gov
Phone: 301-851-3300
For general questions related to the import of a live animal:
Live Animal Import and Export
Email: laie@usda.gov
Phone: 301-851-3300