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Zoological Animals

Last Modified: Jun 2, 2020
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Mexico - Summary of Requirements for Animals

Species - Most Recent Update

Please Note:

All Health certificates for live animals and germplasm to Mexico must not contain any abbreviations. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Dates: "January" is accepted while "Jan" is not.
  • States: Must be the entire word and not the two-letter abbreviation.
  • Ages: "Months" or "Year" is accepted while "yrs" and "mos" are not.

In addition, all health certificates must be type written, or done in word processor or computer. The number of the health certificate must be also type written or in a word processor or computer. Hand written documents will be rejected.

Zoological Animals

For the importation of muledeer Odocolleus hemionus crooki, SEMARNAT–Mexico has the following additional requirements:

The animals to be imported do not originate in herds that had sanitary restrictions of any kind due to BSE.

  • The animals to be imported have not been fed with products or sub-products of animal origin (ruminant) during the years prior to the date of exportation.
  • The animals to be exported are registered in an official monitoring program for chronic wasting disease (CWD); the time the animals have been participating in this program must be stated in the certifications.
  • In the herd of origin there have not been suspects or cases of CWD during the last 5 years prior to the date of exportation.
  • Each one of the animals has a marking system; the system utilized by each animal must be specified.

For species not listed, the requirements are not known. However, exporters wanting to ship livestock or germplasm whose requirements are not listed above, should have the interested party (importer/buyer) in the country of destination apply for an Import Permit at the appropriate ministry. This Import Permit will most likely outline the specific requirements.

Sanitary Permit

A sanitary permit is issued by the Division of Animal Health, Ave Mexico No.190, Colonia Del Carmen Coyocan, CP 04700, Mexico DF. This permit must be obtained in advance of the importation by the importer. The permit shall be submitted to the official veterinarian of The Department of Port and Border Animal Health Inspection at the port of entry.

Please note:  The exporter must obtain a Sanitary Permit from Mexico for ruminants, swine, and horses.  The name of the person that is listed on the permit must match the name of the person listed on the Health Certificate.  The Health Certificate must contain the following statement for animals exported to Mexico:  “The animals must be transported in cleaned and disinfected vehicles, and not contact any other animals during their transport.  Los vehículos utilizados para el transport de los nimals a la frontera fueron sometidos a limpieza y desinfección antes del embarque y no estar en contacto con otros nimals durante el traslado.”

Ports of Entry

  • Veterinary Services has been informed that border entry points have been authorized by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Livestock, for the importation of livestock from the United States. An official veterinarian of Mexico has been assigned permanently to each of these ports by the Bureau of Animal Health, Department of Port and Border Animal Health Inspection. Inspection of livestock will be performed by the official Mexican port veterinarian at facilities in the United States approved by the Bureau of Animal Health. (See Mexican Border Port Facilities.)
  • Importations by air or by sea may be made under sanitary permit when facilities for inspection are available at the port of entry in Mexico.

Note: The sister city on the U.S. side is listed in parentheses Documents Required
 
The following documents are required and shall be submitted to the official veterinarian prior to the inspection of the animals.

  • Sanitary permit for importation. 
  • Origin Health Certificate (VS form 17-140) or computer-generated document, duly signed, and endorsed by VS. 
  • Dip Certificate, if applicable. 
  • Registration Certificate, if applicable.
  • Original and copy of the commercial invoice.
  • Any additional documents to permit compliance with the requirements established in the regulations.


Other Information 
The U.S. Origin Health Certificate must be typewritten. Mexican Port Veterinarians will reject any certificates that are handwritten.

Advance Notification 
The official veterinarian at the port of entry shall be notified of the pending arrival of animals at the authorized facility by the importer or his agent 24 hours in advance of the arrival of the animals.

Authorized Facilities 
Animals to be exported to Mexico will remain in the authorized facility a minimum of 24 hours and may be subjected to procedures of quarantine, clinical observation, inspection, disinfection, immunization, diagnostic tests, or application of appropriate animal health safety measures if the official veterinarian determines that the shipment does not meet all specifications.

Spanish terms used in listing: 
M.V.Z. - Medico Veterinario Zootecnista 
Delegado - Veterinarian in Charge 
Garita - Building housing official offices such as customs

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