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Customs officers working at an international bridge in Starr County said they blocked the illegal export of livestock into Mexico.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials said the incident occured at the Rio Grande City-Camargo International Brige on Tuesday.

Customs officers told Action 4 News that a 22-year-old man was headed to Mexico four cows and three goats.

Officers asked for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) livestock exportataion documentation.

The 22-year-old Mexican man did not have the paperwork prompting officers to prevent the animals from heading into Tamaulipas.

Customs officials said it is not illegal to import or export livestock but live animals must be inspected by a USDA veterinarian.

Rio Grande City CBP director Joseph Mongiello said procedure protects the United States and other nations from disease.

“This detention of live cows and goats at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry illustrates the diversity of CBP’s enforcement mission and helps to educate the community on the importance of obtaining proper documentation prior to exporting livestock from the U.S.,” Mongiello said.