Importing Live Cattle and Bison from Mexico to the United States

Last Modified: August 28, 2024

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.

View Countries From Which Bovines and Their Germplasm May Be Imported

Requirements

Ports of Entry

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 (1.42 MB)
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)
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)
- Questions and Answers: Transit Canadian Cattle and Bison to Mexico (31.37 KB)

Bovine Tuberculosis Requirements for Cattle from Mexico

VS Bulletin 2023.1 Bovine Tuberculosis Testing Requirements for Cattle Imported to the United States from Mexico (273.92 KB)

Additional Import Guidance

USDA APHIS Minimum Criteria for Approval and Supervision of Export Gathering Centers in Mexico (335.39 KB)
Guidelines for Cattle Inspection Facilities at the Southern Border Ports (193.6 KB)
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

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. 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 (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