Importing Live Cattle and Bison From Mexico to the United States

Last Modified: May 22, 2025

ALERT

As of May 11, 2025, APHIS has suspended importation of live cattle and bison originating from or transiting Mexico through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border, due to the continued and rapid northward spread of New World screwworm. For more information about the suspension, see the USDA press release.

cows in field

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 that chew the cud, such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, deer, antelopes, camels, llamas, and giraffes.

View Countries From Which Bovines and Their Germplasm May Be Imported

Requirements

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 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. Submit your contingency plan with your permit application (VS 17-129 (211.74 KB)) 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

Download contacts

Live Animal Imports

For questions about import permits or permit applications:

Live Animal Import Permit Team

For general questions related to the import of a live animal:

Live Animal Import and Export