U.S. sheep head over the Mexican border

U.S. sheep head over the Mexican border The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently announced that Mexico is once again allowing the import of U.S. sheep for immediate slaughter.
   According to the USDA, Mexico closed its border to U.S. slaughter sheep in July after it was discovered that Mexican importers were illegally using the sheep for breeding programs.
   Since the closure, USDA veterinary import and export specialists have worked closely with Mexican agricultural officials to reopen the border, the department said. Starting Nov. 8, all U.S. slaughter sheep destined for Mexico must cross the border at Ciudad Acuna, Coahuila, Mexico, which is the sister land port of Del Rio, Texas.
   The USDA estimates that the export of slaughter sheep to Mexico represents a $7 million market for U.S. sheep producers.