ROMULUS (WWJ) - Officials at Detroit Metro Airport confiscated illegal bushmeat from two different travelers from Africa last month.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say in the first instance, a baggage exam found 11 pounds of rodent meat from Togo, a country in West Africa. The other was just days later when agents found 52 pounds of primate meat, which had been declared as antelope, from the Central African nation of Gabon. Both travelers also had additional, undeclared agriculture items in their possession.
** Editor's note: CBP released a photo of the confiscated bushmeat that some people may find disturbing. See it here. **
Bushmeat refers to meat from wild animals like bats, non-human primates, and cane rats from certain regions of the world that poses a significant communicable disease risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The bushmeat was turned over to the CDC and each traveler was fined $300 for the undeclared items.
CBP says rodent-type bushmeat interceptions are sporadic at DTW, while primate interceptions are much rarer. 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. Ebola, mpox, and other emerging diseases can have catastrophic consequences if they enter human populations.
“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,” said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “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.”
CBP says travelers can help prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases by declaring all food and plant items upon arrival to the U.S.