Hatching eggs from Brazil seized at Miami International Airport

CBP officials say hatching eggs can carry highly contagious diseases

MIAMI – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists seized a shipment of what appeared to be hatching chicken eggs June 12 at Miami International Airport.

Officials said the eggs were in an express mail package that had been sent from Brazil.

Agriculture specialists examined the package, which was labeled "Handicraft Gifts," after the items were spotted on an X-ray machine.

The five eggs, which lacked a proper importing permit, were seized.

Officials said hatching eggs are a concern for the CBP because they can carry highly contagious diseases.

"Our CBP agriculture specialists work tirelessly to uphold CBP's agriculture mission. They know what to look for and they know the consequences of intentional or unintentional entry of biological threats into the United States," said Miami International Airport Port Director Christopher Maston.

CBP agriculture specialists inspect tens of thousands of international air passengers and air and sea cargo each day, typically seizing more than 4,000 prohibited items, including meat, plant materials or animal products.

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