The Texas Animal Health Commission issued new movement requirements for cattle of Mexican origin bound for Texas, tightening the paperwork and identification standards those animals must meet as New World screwworm spreads in Mexico, according to an Aug. 24 news release from the agency.
The order closes a gap for cattle that reach the United States without crossing a Texas port. It applies to all Mexican-origin cattle that enter the country through a port of entry located outside Texas on or after Aug. 24, 2026, and are subsequently moved into Texas, the commission said, regardless of whether they are moved directly to Texas or held in another state first.
Under the executive director order, those cattle must comply with all applicable requirements for cattle originating from Mexico under Title 4, Part 2, Sections 51.7 and 51.8 of the Texas Administrative Code. They must also be identified with an official radio frequency identification device, be accompanied by an electronic certificate of veterinary inspection and obtain an entry permit before entering Texas, according to the release.
New World screwworm continues to expand in Mexico, the commission said, and the additional requirements supplement existing entry requirements and are intended to protect animal health and support the safe movement of cattle into Texas.
The agency said the order was issued pursuant to Texas Agriculture Code, Chapters 161 through 168, and applicable regulations found in Title 4, Part 2, Chapters 31 through 60 of the Texas Administrative Code. It is effective immediately and will remain in effect until modified.
For producers, haulers and buyers, the practical effect is that Mexican-origin cattle headed for Texas pastures and feedyards will need the tag, the electronic health certificate and the permit in hand before they cross the state line. The Texas Animal Health Commission, established in 1893 as the Livestock Sanitary Commission, protects the health and marketability of Texas livestock and poultry, according to the release.