Exports to Mexico Halted

June 25, 2004 -- The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) was notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that live animals were not being allowed to cross into Mexico effective June 17, 2004. Trade was halted last Thursday after Mexican officials began enforcing legislation that requires inspection of U.S. livestock in Mexican territory. This is in contrast to inspections taking place on the U.S. side of the border as had been the practice in the past.

Lack of inspection sites on Mexican soil caused the back-up of live trade between the two countries. Because of this change in policy, APHIS was not endorsing health certificates for slaughter sheep, swine or horses or other livestock at this time.

On Tuesday, USDA spokesperson Julie Quick stated that shipments of American sheep, hogs and goats to Mexico resumed on Monday night. However, according to sheep industry sources working at the border, as of the time of this publication, sheep have not been allowed to move into Mexico yet. ASI continues efforts in correspondence with USDA officials that are working to reopen the trade.

Lamb products are allowed to cross since the regulations provided for meat trade were agreed to in May.

Staff contact: Paul Rodgers, 303-771-3500

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