Mexico Border Reopens to Cattle

Oct. 17, 203 -- Last Friday, Oct. 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was notified that Mexico had shut down the border to all live cattle from the United States based on findings of lesions in a shipment of approximately 40 cattle that were awaiting export to Mexico.

Blood samples and fluid from the lesions were sent to Plum Island for immediate identification. Tests showed that the cattle had bovine papular stomatitis, which is a mild viral disease of young cattle. Papular stomatitis is common and should not jeopardize U.S. livestock exports.

The border was reopened when the disease was confirmed to be a harmless look-alike and not foot-and-mouth disease. According to Paul Rodgers, ASI deputy director of policy, ?USDA, along with State animal health partnerships, conducts many foreign animal disease investigations each year. Doing so represents the strong commitment within the U.S. to safeguard the health of our nation?s livestock as well as protect and enhance trade.?

Staff contact: Paul Rodgers, 304-647-9981

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