The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Del Rio Livestock Export Facility is reopening to horse exports to Mexico, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced Sept. 22, following negotiations between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’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 key piece of Texas’ cross-border agricultural infrastructure and gives exporters greater access to the Mexican market through Del Rio, according to the department’s news release.
Effective immediately, exports to Mexico may resume for horses intended for reproduction, sport, exhibition, work or transit, the department said. TDA described the agreement as restoring an important avenue of 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,” 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 facility houses livestock undergoing required export inspections before they cross into Mexico. TDA maintains several such facilities along the Texas-Mexico border to help move agricultural animals safely and efficiently in international commerce, according to the release.
Horse exports have faced additional animal-health restrictions amid the ongoing New World screwworm threat, the department noted. Under current USDA requirements, horses originating from or traveling through screwworm-infested zones are subject to additional inspection, documentation and, when applicable, treatment.
“Biosecurity and commerce have to work hand in hand,” Miller said. “We can protect Texas livestock from New World screwworm without unnecessarily shutting down legitimate agricultural trade.”
APHIS has posted the full export guidance, required documentation and screwworm inspection and treatment requirements through its International Regulations (IRegs) resources. TDA advised exporters to review all applicable federal requirements and to complete the proper documentation and veterinary inspections before shipment.
“I appreciate SENASICA working with us to get trade moving again,” Miller said, adding that “the Del Rio gate is open for exports again.”
The department said it will continue working with federal, state and Mexican officials to facilitate livestock trade while maintaining animal-health safeguards.