61°
The Germantown was stopped by agents at Washington Dulles International Airport on April 5, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said.
While the bushmeat is a popular protein staple in Africa, it is illegal to bring it to the Unites States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is because bats are known for spreading diseases such as Ebola, CBP said.
“Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists play a very challenging frontline role in protecting the public, our nation’s agricultural industries, and our economic vitality every day against the deliberate or accidental introduction of potentially crippling animal diseases," said CBP's Area Port Director for DC Daniel Escobedo.
“CBP strongly encourages all international travelers to know what they can and cannot pack in their baggage before visiting the United States.”
CBP seized the beat meat, along with 12 pounds of tetraplura, eggplants and turkey berries, and turned it over to the CDC for further examination.
The lesson here: leave the bat meat at home.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Montgomery and receive free news updates.
