Arizona CBP Seizes Costumes Made With Chicken Feet and Unknown Feathers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Nogales port of entry in Arizona intercepted a peculiar shipment of artisanal costumes containing restricted animal parts. During a routine inspection, agricultural specialists flagged a large bag for secondary screening after the traveler declared agricultural products.

Upon examination, agents discovered the costumes were made with chicken feet and feathers from unknown bird species. These animal-derived components raised immediate concerns for CBP officials due to the potential risk of introducing foreign animal diseases into the United States. Such diseases can pose a significant threat to the nation's livestock and agricultural sector.

U.S. regulations impose strict limitations on the importation of various meat products, animal by-products, and other materials originating from animals. The primary reason for these restrictions is to prevent the spread of diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) among domestic animal populations.

Consequently, the CBP determined that the costumes did not meet the necessary requirements for entry into the U.S. The traveler was turned back to Mexico with instructions to dispose of the materials in accordance with applicable regulations. Roque Caza, Director of Field Operations for Tucson, emphasized that CBP agricultural specialists play a vital role in safeguarding U.S. agriculture and natural resources from harmful pests and diseases at all ports of entry.

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CBP agricultural specialists work at all ports of entry to protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources from harmful pests.