Presidio County sheriff’s deputies seized six horses during a traffic stop along FM 170 after authorities suspected the animals had been illegally brought into the United States, according to the sheriff’s office.
The stop occurred after deputies sought verification of Coggins testing, which helps identify infectious equine diseases. During the investigation, the driver reportedly told deputies the horses had been picked up in Redford, an area authorities say is associated with unauthorized livestock crossings.
Officials said the horses were believed to have entered the country illegally and were turned over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for testing and quarantine due to concerns surrounding the spread of New World screwworm, a parasite that can severely injure livestock by laying eggs in open wounds.
The Presidio County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into suspected livestock smuggling remains ongoing. Authorities also said border security efforts in the region have increased under Operation Stonegarden, a federal program supporting local law enforcement in border areas.
