Mexico Halts U.S. Breeding Pig Imports Due to Virus Antibodies

Mexico has paused imports of breeding pigs and related products from the U.S. after discovering pseudorabies virus antibodies, impacting 10% of its pork imports. The ban excludes pork meat, which isn't a transmission risk. Mexico will evaluate the situation to decide on resuming trade.

Mexico has temporarily suspended imports of breeding pigs and certain related products from the United States in response to the detection of pseudorabies virus antibodies in some animals. The decision, announced by Ivan Espinosa, head of the Mexican pork producers group Opormex, was reported to Reuters.

The halt, affecting roughly 10% of Mexico's overall pork-product imports from the U.S., specifically targets breeding pigs, semen, viscera, and animal offal. Pork meat continues to be imported as it poses no risk of disease transmission, Espinosa clarified.

The measure was implemented by Mexico's National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality (Senasica) on May 2 as a cautionary strategy. While no clinical outbreak has been reported, Mexico will seek to determine safe regions for trade resumption should the need arise. Consideration for alternative suppliers and boosting local production could ensure supply continuity if necessary.