CBP Seizes Live Chickens and Over 100 Insects in Separate Inspections at Texas Border Crossing

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas, uncovered live poultry and more than 100 live insects in two unrelated seizures this week, reinforcing the agency’s role in preventing the introduction of potentially harmful agricultural pests and diseases into the United States.

The first incident occurred on May 4, when a Chevrolet Suburban was sent for secondary inspection. CBP agriculture specialists discovered two live chickens and 30 eggs concealed within the vehicle. The driver received a $300 penalty for failing to declare prohibited agricultural products, which are restricted due to the risk of avian diseases.

Two days later, on May 6, officers inspected a taxi at the same border crossing. A canine trained in agricultural detection signaled the presence of contraband in a passenger’s luggage. Inside, specialists found a bag containing over 100 live chinch bugs. Along with the insects, prohibited fruits including mangos, hog plums, and mamey were also confiscated. A second civil penalty of $300 was issued.

Both seizures highlight the dangers posed by the unauthorized transport of animals and insects. Live poultry and raw eggs from Mexico are restricted to prevent the spread of diseases such as virulent Newcastle disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Similarly, live insects like chinch bugs can pose serious threats as agricultural pests or disease carriers. CBP agriculture specialists are tasked with enforcing U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations to safeguard American agriculture.

Penalties for attempting to bring in restricted agricultural items can range from $300 to $1,000, and violations may result in travel delays. The enforcement actions at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge are part of ongoing efforts to prevent the establishment of invasive species and diseases that could cause significant economic harm.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release

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