US muscle exports to Mexico continue despite pseudorabies
The outbreak of pseudorabies, also known as Aujeszky’s Disease, that was found last week in pig herds in the American states of Iowa and Texas, does not affect the export of muscle cuts to Mexico – even though other products have experienced problems moving south.
That was the message of the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), as reported by both American pig industry titles Pork and the National Hog Farmer.
Both titles quote carry the same USMEF message, confirming that US exporters have had “loads of certain products unable to clear into Mexico”. According to both titles, USMEF pointed to pork byproducts (skins) and offal/viscera that would’ve been unable to clear due to Mexico’s precautionary restrictions.
USMEF emphasised that the restrictions do not affect muscle cuts and added that engagement between animal health authorities in Mexico and the United States would be ongoing, adding: “USMEF cannot speculate about the market access situation going forward.”
Targeted import restrictions into Canada
Earlier, the outbreak also implied some very targeted import restrictions for high-risk materials into Canada, as can be read in summary at the site of GHY International, a trade and brokerage service. Those restrictions come down to categories like raw, inedible by-products; untreated swine blood products; and raw swine manure.
Aujeszky’s Disease in feral pigs
Aujeszky’s Disease is known to occur in some feral pig populations where they exist in the US; occasional spillover to outdoor production herds is therefore possible. Enhanced surveillance and response activities will be conducted in accordance with the United States pseudorabies eradication programme standards.
Since the initial outbreak, which dates from late April in Iowa and originated in Texas, no further infections have been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Although the virus is generally well controlled, sporadic outbreaks continue to occur. In March, cases were reported in Hungary; in February, Papua New Guinea reported outbreaks; and the virus also re-emerged in France in late 2025.
