Import Alert: Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Restrictions for Equine Commodities Originating from or Transiting Mexico

Issuance Date: July 8, 2021

Effective Date: Immediately

Effective immediately, and until further notice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) is placing restrictions on the importation of equine from Mexico, based on the diagnosis of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE).

VS will continue to require a permit for import of equine-derived materials such as serum.
Any equine commodities originating from or transiting through Mexico will be under this restricted entry to the United States. Importation of equine germplasm will be prohibited.

Importation of live equine will be subject to a 7-day quarantine instead of the usual 3-day quarantine.
                               
These restrictions will be updated as additional epidemiological information is obtained. Current information can be found on the APHIS website: USDA APHIS | Bring Horses into the U.S. from Mexico.

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