63 pounds of rodent and primate meat confiscated at Michigan airport, officials say
.png "Agriculture specialists confiscated 63 pounds of rodent and primate meat from travelers at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.")
For the second time in a week, authorities said they confiscated wild animal meat from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
During a baggage examination, 11 pounds of rodent meat was found by agriculture specialists, according to an Aug. 20 news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The meat was from Togo, a country in West Africa, officials said.
Days later, 52 pounds of primate meat was found at the airport, agents said. That meat had been originally declared to be antelope from Gabon, a nation in Central Africa.
The bushmeat, which refers to meat from wild animals such as bats, cane rats and primates, was found with travelers who also had other “undeclared agriculture items in their possession,” officials said.
“These recent bushmeat interceptions are significant in bringing attention to the illegal importation of bushmeat through our ports of entry,” Port Director Fadia Pastilong said. “This also showcases how we work with our partner agencies to prevent a potential disease outbreak.”
The meat was turned over to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The travelers were each fined $300, agents said.
Bushmeat from specific regions have a “significant communicable disease risk, and is illegal to import into the U.S.,” officials said.
“We routinely find various agriculture items and oddities—live giant snails, animal skulls, and exotic food items—but most times it’s not a malicious act,” Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon said. “Despite this, it’s our duty to protect the homeland and preventing certain food and animal products from entering the U.S. is essential to public health.”
Authorities said it’s rare for primate meat to be intercepted at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport and rodent meat is confiscated sporadically.
“In parts of Africa, bushmeat is considered a cultural delicacy and is often consumed raw or subject to minimal processing, which increases risk of disease proliferation. Ebola, mpox, and other emerging diseases can have catastrophic consequences if they enter human populations,” officials said.
