Texas – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Del Rio Livestock Export Facility has reopened for horse exports to Mexico following negotiations between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality.
Effective immediately, horses intended for reproduction, sport, exhibition, work or transit can once again be exported to Mexico through the Del Rio facility.
The reopening restores a key route for Texas horse owners, breeders, ranchers and businesses seeking access to the Mexican market.
“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,” Miller said.
Horse exports had faced additional restrictions and health protocols because of the ongoing New World screwworm threat. Under current USDA requirements, horses coming from or traveling through affected areas may face additional inspections, documentation and treatment requirements before export.
Miller said the reopening demonstrates that animal health protections and agricultural commerce can operate together.
“We can protect Texas livestock from New World screwworm without unnecessarily shutting down legitimate agricultural trade,” Miller said.
The Del Rio facility provides required export inspection services for livestock before animals cross into Mexico. TDA operates livestock export facilities along the Texas-Mexico border to support the safe movement of agricultural animals in international commerce.
Exporters are being advised to review current USDA requirements and complete all necessary documentation and veterinary inspections before shipments.
TDA said it will continue working with federal, state and Mexican officials to facilitate livestock trade while maintaining animal-health safeguards.
