Meat from rodents and primates was found in two travelers’ bags at Detroit Metro Airport
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agriculture specialists examining luggage late last month came across 11 pounds of rodent meat from the West African country of Togo.
The bushmeat, which refers to meat from wild animals, including bats, non-human primates, and cane rats, from certain regions, was discovered in the luggage of two travelers within a week.
A few days later, 52 pounds of primate meat from the Central African nation of Gabon was found in a traveler’s bag. According to CBP, the meat was declared as antelope.
Both of the travelers also had other undeclared agricultural items with them.
The bushmeat was seized and turned over to the regulating agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Though bushmeat is considered a cultural delicacy in some parts of Africa, it is often consumed raw or subject to minimal processing, which increases the risk of disease proliferation.
Diseases that can be spread through the meat include Ebola, mpox, and other emerging diseases.
“These recent bushmeat interceptions are significant in bringing attention to the illegal importation of bushmeat through our ports of entry,” said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. “This also showcases how we work with our partner agencies to prevent a potential disease outbreak.”
