BajaNomad

Screw worm

BoenBaja - 8-14-2026 at 11:32 AM

According to all of the recent news I’ve found, the Mexican government is now requiring a screw worm screening within 5 days of crossing the border, as well as the US. I called our local veterinarian and they said a simple screening would be $60 per pet, but if an actual Health Certificate is required it would be $300 per dog. I don’t know what the charge would be in Baja, but I’ve included a link of Senesica approved vets in Mexico. How have other Nomads handled this? Did the officials at the border require an actual “Health Certificate” or just a letter from an approved veterinarian? Taking our 2 dogs down and back is getting to be an expensive proposition!

https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/1090723/Direc...



lencho - 8-14-2026 at 11:37 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BoenBaja  
According to all of the recent news I’ve found, the Mexican government is now requiring a screw worm screening...

Is there actual scientific justification for that, or is it political posturing in retribution for U.S. rejection of (potentially infected) Mexican cattle?

How likely is a problem of dogs carrying screw worm into Mexico...? :?:

SFandH - 8-14-2026 at 02:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by BoenBaja  
According to all of the recent news I’ve found, the Mexican government is now requiring a screw worm screening...

Is there actual scientific justification for that, or is it political posturing in retribution for U.S. rejection of (potentially infected) Mexican cattle?

How likely is a problem of dogs carrying screw worm into Mexico...? :?:


FWIW:

"With at least 44 cases of New World screwworm (NWS) have been documented in the United States as of July, Mexico has introduced new rules regarding the import of dogs and pet birds from the U.S. that went into effect on August 3, 2026. "

https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/mexico-ena...

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Not many cases, and who knows how many are dogs, if any.


[Edited on 8-14-2026 by SFandH]

BoenBaja - 8-14-2026 at 02:10 PM

Also what is the status on having dogs microchipped? Our poodle is, our Baja rescue is not yet chipped.

Not too recent, but.....

AKgringo - 8-14-2026 at 05:13 PM

On my last visit in Jan 2025 my veterinarian confirmed that the health certificate was not required for land crossings. I did have a recent print-out of an examination, along with shot records, microchip ID number, and a prescription for parasite meds.

The screw worm problem was known at the time, but no one was interested in my dog, or her paperwork going south or north! I am sure that flying into, or out of Mexico would be a whole different situation to deal with.

The US crossing agent was only concerned about the half full package of FUD sliced ham lunch meat in my ice chest, which she confiscated. She wouldn't let me feed the meat to my 90 pound co-pilot either, and just wanted me to keep the dog away from her!

Since 2012, every trip to Baja has been with a large dog, and I have only been asked for paperwork one time (crossing northbound) and the agent did not bother to actually look at the documents I offered.


[Edited on 8-15-2026 by AKgringo]

BooJumMan - 8-15-2026 at 07:09 AM

I crossed at Mexicali East last week with two dogs and as usual not a single question about the dogs or any associated paperwork. Of course the new rule was rolled out the same week I was leaving and I didn't even have time to get them checked prior to crossing.

BoenBaja - 8-15-2026 at 09:44 AM

🐶🇲🇽 **UPDATE #2 — ENTERING MEXICO WITH DOGS OR CATS**

**August 14, 2026**



As promised, we asked **Mexican Customs in Mexicali TODAY** about the requirements for bringing pets into Mexico.



We specifically asked what they require when entering Mexico with a **dog or cat**, and their answer was:



👉 **“We don't require anything for a dog or cat.”**



They explained that if someone is traveling with another type of animal, such as a **bird, reptile, etc.**, they would be directed to the government office in the building next door, where officials would handle the corresponding requirements, registrations, or documentation.



But according to the Mexican Customs officers we spoke with today, **for a personal pet dog or cat, they are not asking travelers for additional documentation at this crossing.**



🐾 So today we asked BOTH sides personally:



🇺🇸 **Entering the U.S. through Calexico:** The officer told us to have vaccination and microchip information available. Regarding the screwworm certificate, he told us that if you have it, it's better to bring it, but that enforcement at their crossing is currently at the officer's discretion.



🇲🇽 **Entering Mexico through Mexicali:** Mexican Customs told us they are **not requesting anything additional for dogs or cats.**



⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** We are sharing exactly what the officers told us personally **TODAY, August 14, 2026, at the Calexico/Mexicali border crossings.** Requirements and enforcement can change, and individual situations may be handled differently.



We wanted to ask directly because we know many of our San Felipe residents, snowbirds and RV travelers cross this border regularly with their furry family members. ❤️🐶🐱



Hope this helps! Safe travels to everyone heading to San Felipe! 🌴☀️🇲🇽



#SanFelipe #SanFelipeBaja #BajaCalifornia #Mexicali #Calexico #TravelWithPets #TravelWithDogs #DogsInMexico #MexicoTravel #BorderCrossing #BajaTravel #Snowbirds #CanadianSnowbirds #RVers #RVLife #BajaRVers

AKgringo - 8-15-2026 at 03:38 PM

I have no problem complying with medical requirements for my best friend traveling with me, but the new restriction I saw in the link posted earlier sounded a bit far-fetched. Food for the animal entering Mexico is limited to a one-day supply.

Shopping for the right dog food is not a chore I want to add to the sometimes chaotic trip through whatever border town I am using.



[Edited on 8-15-2026 by AKgringo]

lencho - 8-15-2026 at 04:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Food for the animal entering Mexico is limited to a one-day supply.

Pack it ln Tupperware and tell them it's your special high- protein diet!

pacificobob - 8-16-2026 at 06:54 AM

A vet in todos Santos charged $60 for a certificate a visiting friend who was flying with a dog needed.

AKgringo - 8-16-2026 at 07:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Food for the animal entering Mexico is limited to a one-day supply.

Pack it ln Tupperware and tell them it's your special high- protein diet!



My dog is almost 13, and I am pushing 80, so maybe sharing the same "senior" kibbles would simplify packing for our next road trip!

She is doing well eating Kirkland dog food, so maybe my health would improve as well?