U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a significant rise in the seizure of hatching eggs at the Louisville Port of Entry, reflecting a broader trend of increased egg interceptions at U.S. borders. While there has been a 48% increase in raw or fresh egg seizures at northern and southern border ports compared to last year, CBP Agriculture Specialists in Louisville have noted a distinct uptick in hatching egg shipments since February.
Between March 6 and March 20, CBP Agriculture Specialists seized 39 hatching eggs across three separate incidents. These eggs encompass various avian species, including poultry, game birds, racing pigeons, and other birds intended for hatching or reproduction purposes. The importation of such eggs is highly regulated due to the risk they pose in carrying diseases like Newcastle disease and Avian Influenza.
LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations at the Chicago Field Office, emphasized the importance of these operations: "Our nation's food supply is constantly at risk to diseases not known to occur in the United States," she said. "These interceptions highlight the vigilance and dedication our CBP Agriculture Specialists demonstrate daily."
The intercepted shipments arrived on March 6, March 16, and March 19 from Turkey and Romania, destined for New York, Nevada, and Costa Rica. In comparison, throughout 2024 Louisville CBPAS seized 25 shipments containing a total of 519 eggs from countries such as Turkey, Belgium, Romania, and Singapore.
CBP continues its efforts to secure U.S. borders by screening international passengers, mail, and cargo for restricted or prohibited items while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
For updates on how CBP's Office of Field Operations secures national borders follow @CBPChicago and @DFOChicago on X.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to protecting national security through innovation and collaboration.
