Monday, December 04, 2006)

Smuggled birds brought into the United States without undergoing inspection or quarantine can increase the chance that deadly avian diseases such as avian influenza, exotic newcastle disease and parrot fever will infect the U.S. bird population and spread to people or other animals.  

To ensure the public is aware of the dangers associated with smuggling live birds and poultry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is displaying public service announcement posters on bird smuggling at more than 320 U.S. ports of entry.

 The two posters, Bird Flu-What You Need to Know and Don't Smuggle Me: I Could Be Sick: are the most recent actions taken by CBP to prevent the introduction of harmful plant and animal pest or disease into the U.S. through agricultural products. ( Bird Flu: What You Need To Know (pdf - 52 KB.) ) ( "Don't Smuggle Me...I Could Be Sick" (pdf - 247 KB.) ) Other actions taken include:

• Civil penalty increase-failure to declare agricultural items at U.S. ports of entry was increased to $300 for first time offenders.
• Notice to Travelers-a flyer provided travelers to inform them why CBP is seizing agricultural items from baggage.

 "Agricultural pests and diseases are a threat to U.S. food crops and livestock," said Jeffrey Grode, executive director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Programs and Liaison office. "Some of these organisms are highly contagious animal diseases that could cause severe economic damage to the livestock industry and losses in production, which would mean increased costs for meat and dairy products."

Aside from smuggled birds, restricted items include meat, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil and products made from animal or plant materials. International travelers can help protect American agriculture against the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases by declaring all agriculture items and presenting them to CBP for inspection so that an agriculture specialist can determine if they are admissible.

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release