Commissioner Sid Miller Announces Del Rio Export Pen Reopening for Breeding Cattle and Horse Exports

U.S.-Mexico Agreement Reopens Key Export Gateway for Texas Livestock

AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Del Rio Livestock Export Facility is reopening to horse exports following successful negotiations between USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA). The reopening restores a critical piece of Texas’ cross-border agricultural infrastructure and provides exporters with greater access to the Mexican market through Del Rio.

Effective immediately, exports to Mexico may resume for horses intended for reproduction, sport, exhibition, work, or transit. The agreement restores an important avenue for agricultural trade for Texas horse owners, breeders, ranchers, and businesses.

“Del Rio has long been an important gateway between our producers and our neighbors in Mexico,” Commissioner Miller said. “Getting this export pen reopened means more options for our producers, more commerce for our border communities, and one less obstacle standing in the way of Texas agriculture.”

The Del Rio Livestock Export Facility provides facilities for livestock undergoing required export inspections before crossing into Mexico. TDA maintains livestock export facilities along the Texas-Mexico border to help facilitate the safe and efficient movement of agricultural animals in international commerce.

Horse exports have faced additional animal-health restrictions and protocols amid the ongoing New World screwworm threat. Under current USDA requirements, livestock exported to Mexico for reproduction, sport, exhibition, work, or transit may continue to move, although horses originating from or traveling through New World screwworm-infested zones are subject to additional inspection, documentation, and, when applicable, treatment requirements.

“Biosecurity and commerce have to work hand in hand,” Commissioner Miller continued. “We can protect Texas livestock from New World screwworm without unnecessarily shutting down legitimate agricultural trade. Our job is to keep disease and pests out, keep commerce moving, and make sure Texas producers have every opportunity to do business. We can take New World screwworm seriously, protect Texas livestock, and still keep legitimate agricultural trade moving. These protocols give us a path to do both.”

APHIS has posted the full export guidance, required documentation, and NWS inspection and treatment requirements through its International Regulations (IRegs) resources. Exporters should review all applicable federal requirements and ensure the proper documentation and veterinary inspections are completed before shipment.

“I appreciate SENASICA working with us to get trade moving again,” Commissioner Miller said. “Texas agriculture is the best in the world, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure our producers have access to markets on both sides of the border. The Del Rio gate is open for exports again, and that’s a win for Texas.”

TDA will continue working with federal, state, and Mexican officials to facilitate livestock trade while maintaining animal-health safeguards.

For additional updated information about exporting live animals to Mexico, visit IREGs.

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