U.S. pork muscle cuts unaffected by Mexico PRV restrictions

Since the confirmed cases of pseudorabies in two small swine herds in Iowa and Texas last week, there have been some misleading headlines floating around, implying that Mexico has closed the border to all U.S. pork. The U.S. Meat Export Federation says that is not the case.

“Engagement between animal health authorities in Mexico and the United States is ongoing, and USMEF cannot speculate about the market access situation going forward. But we know that since Monday (May 4) morning, U.S. exporters have had loads of certain products unable to clear into Mexico. Importantly, the restrictions do not impact pork muscle cuts. However, pork byproducts (skins) and offal/viscera have been unable to clear due to Mexico’s precautionary restrictions,” said USMEF in a statement.

“USMEF is optimistic that we will have further guidance from USDA soon, and that Mexico will act in accordance with the World Organization for Animal Health guidelines. We continue to monitor the situation for further updates.”

In 2025, exports to Mexico were record-large for the fifth consecutive year, topping previous highs by 7% in volume (1.236 million mt) and 10% in value ($2.85 billion). These results included more than 184,000 mt of pork variety meat (up 15% from 2024), valued at nearly $325 million (up 13%).

In March this year, pork exports to leading market Mexico reached 103,808 mt, up 7% from a year ago, while export value also climbed 7% to $228.6 million. Mexico remains a critical market for U.S. pork, especially bone-in hams and variety meat, and preserving market access is essential, USMEF notes.

A contagious disease that primarily affects swine, pseudorabies is spread by animal-to-animal contact between an infected pig that is shedding virus and an uninfected pig. The virus can also be spread on inanimate objects such as boots, clothing and equipment, as well as through breeding.

In this case, the small commercial facility in Iowa had received pigs from the Texas herd in recent months. The Texas herd was housed outdoors with potential contact to feral swine. Though pseudorabies was eliminated from U.S. commercial swine herds in 2004, PRV can still be found in wild or feral swine populations.