Thread: C.B.P. Seizes 100 Year Old Eggs, Chickens Feet

CBP News Release

CBP Field Operations in Atlanta Helps Protect America from Bird Flu, Monkey Pox

(Thursday, January 08, 2009) contacts for this news release Atlanta – United States Customs and Border Protection Field Operations agriculture specialists at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport recently seized 100-year-old eggs, chicken feet and bushmeat.

First, CBP Field Operations agriculture specialists seized 100-year-old eggs and chicken feet from two passengers arriving from China and Vietnam. Poultry products from China and Vietnam are prohibited from entry because the United States Department of Agriculture considers China and Vietnam to be affected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (subtype H5N1), often referred to simply as bird flu or avian influenza.

Next, CBP Field Operations agricultural specialists seized a grasscutter from Nigeria. The grasscutter, a type of bushmeat, was discovered during a routine baggage examination. The United States Public Health Service prohibits the entry of bushmeat as it has been associated with monkey pox, a rare infectious disease caused by the monkey pox virus. It is most prevalent in Central and West Africa.

“These interdictions are significant discoveries and an excellent example of how CBP Field Operations agriculture specialists partner with other federal agencies to help protect the U.S. from both human and animal diseaseâ€