Tim Quinn Executive Director | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialists at the Louisville Port of Entry intercepted a shipment containing 41 dead bats and 41 dead birds. The shipment, originating from Nigeria and destined for West Palm Beach, Florida, was labeled as "Yam Flour Sponge" but was found to contain the undeclared animals during a physical examination on November 1.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service identified the bats as Straw Colored Fruit Bats (Eidolon helvum) and the birds as Village Weavers (Ploceus cucullatus). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ordered the destruction of the shipment.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations at the Chicago Field Office, emphasized the importance of these seizures in preventing diseases from entering the United States. “Louisville’s CBP Agriculture Specialists are focused on their mission to prevent entry of prohibited items from entering the United States,” she stated.
Bats can carry infectious agents such as Ebola, Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever, SARS, and rabies. Dead birds pose risks for diseases like Newcastle disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), both highly contagious among avians.
Philip Onken, Port Director in Louisville, highlighted the role of agriculture specialists in protecting against non-native pests and diseases: “CBP’s agriculture specialists mitigate the threat of non-native pests, diseases, and contaminants entering the United States.”
CBP's mission involves screening international travelers and cargo for illicit items that could harm public safety or economic vitality. They also inspect for unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit goods, invasive weeds, pests, and other prohibited items.
CBP is America's frontline border management agency with over 65,000 personnel working across various environments to ensure security while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
