March 25 (UPI) — Shipments of ready-to-hatch eggs have been seized three times this month at a port of entry in the Midwest, as agriculture officials work to slow the spread of avian influenza, or “bird flu.”
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agriculture specialists in Louisville, Ky., seized 39 hatching eggs between March 6 and Thursday. The eggs, which contained the live chicks of game birds, racing pigeons or other birds where there is a market, are considered live animals and are highly regulated at U.S. borders.
“Our nation’s food supply is constantly at risk to diseases not known to occur in the United States,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, director of field operations, Chicago Field Office.
“These interceptions highlight the vigilance and dedication our CBP Agriculture Specialists demonstrate, daily,” Sutton-Burke added. “They ensure the United States is safe from harmful diseases, which could affect our food supply.”…