U.S. Customs confiscates over 60 pounds of rat, primate meat in Detroit

Federal agriculture specialists discovered over 60 pounds of rat and primate meat, often referred to as bushmeat, during traveler bag checks at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, according to a Wednesday statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Bushmeat refers to meat from either bats, cane rats, or nonhuman primates, and is illegal to bring to the United States because of the serious communicable disease risk associated with it.

Officials first uncovered 11 pounds of rodent meat brought from the West African country of Togo late last month. Days later, agents uncovered 52 pounds of primate meat from the Central African country of Gabon, CBP said. These interceptions emphasize the ongoing issue of illegal bushmeat importation and how federal agencies work to avoid potential disease outbreaks, according to Port Director Fadia Pastilong.

How often do these interceptions occur? Rodent bushmeat interceptions happen sporadically at Detroit airport, but primate interceptions are much rarer, CBP noted. Some African communities view bushmeat as a cultural delicacy and often consume it raw, the release explained. The meat’s minimal processing increases the risk of catastrophic diseases emerging, like Ebola and mpox. Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon described agents regularly finding unique agricultural items, like giant snails or animal skulls. Most of the time, the items aren't brought with malicious intent, he said.

Will the passengers be sanctioned? Each traveler received a $300 fine for undeclared agricultural items, and the meat was seized and turned over to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proper disposal, CBP said.