Bat Meat Seized From Maryland Man's Luggage At Dulles International Airport: Authorities

A Maryland man seemed to skip right past the barbecue and head straight to takeout when he brought home three pounds of bat meat from a recent trip from Ghana

CBP discovered charred bat in the baggage of
a Maryland man who arrived from Ghana. — CBP discovered charred bat in the baggage of a Maryland man who arrived from Ghana.
Photo Credit: *US Customs and Border Protection*

The bat's skeleton can be seen in the bottom
left in this x-ray image of the suitcase. — The bat's skeleton can be seen in the bottom left in this x-ray image of the suitcase.
Photo Credit: *US Customs and Border Protection*

David Cifarelli

04/15/2022 12:09 p.m.

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.

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