Why Did CBP Seize Primate Meat at Chicago O'Hare International Airport?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists recently seized a shipment of prohibited nonhuman primate meat at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The seizure involved approximately four pounds of the meat, commonly known as bushmeat. The passenger arrived on an international flight from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In addition to the meat, CBP officers found other banned agricultural products. The total seizure included about 17 pounds of unknown plant material. It also contained 11 pounds of beans that showed signs of pests. All items were immediately seized and destroyed by the federal agency.

Biosecurity and Public Health

Federal health rules strictly prohibit the importation of bushmeat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains this ban. Bushmeat is raw or minimally processed meat from wild animals.

Nonhuman primate meat poses a high risk for spreading infectious diseases. These are known as zoonotic diseases, which can jump from animals to humans. Diseases like Ebola and mpox have been linked to bushmeat consumption.

Preventing these imports is a critical function of aviation biosecurity screening. The goal is to safeguard the health of the U.S. public and livestock. CBP agriculture specialists use advanced screening methods. These methods include detector dogs and X-ray inspections.

Aviation Impact and Enforcement

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge for airport customs operations. CBP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) work together. They enforce complex international air travel regulations.

Travelers must declare all food items they bring into the country. Failure to declare prohibited animal products can lead to severe penalties. The CDC states that fines for importing bushmeat can reach up to $250,000.

Though this type of seizure is rare, it is not isolated. CBP at O’Hare has intercepted thousands of prohibited items. These range from exotic meats to pest-infested plants. This vigilance is key to protecting U.S. agriculture from foreign pests. It also prevents the introduction of animal-borne diseases. The latest CBP bushmeat seizure O'Hare underscores the importance of strict border control measures in commercial aviation news. For more updates on flight operation news, visit flying.flights.