U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists working at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport intercepted a shipment of prohibited and restricted pet treats, that was manifested as men’s sweaters.
The shipment did not contain sweaters but instead was chicken lollipop pet treats shipped from Hong Kong and destined for Highlands, Texas.
“Consumers are unaware that some international goods and products are prohibited or restricted because of the potential agriculture or biological risks associated with that product,” explained Dallas CBP Port Director Tim Lemaux. “When we encounter suspicious shipments, we examine them and then act accordingly. In this case, we seized the shipment to protect our nation’s agriculture industry.”
CBP agriculture specialists were examining imported shipments when they encountered a shipment manifested as men’s sweaters; however, when they examined it, they discovered 93 chicken-flavored lollipops with rawhide stems. These items are not allowed in the U.S. due to animal disease concerns.
CBP agriculture specialists work to exclude introduction of foreign animal diseases such as Highly pathogenic avian influenza 2, Newcastle disease, Foot and mouth disease, Classical swine fever, and Swine vesicular disease. These diseases can harm chicken and turkey flocks as well as potentially harm pigs.
All 93 lollipops were destroyed by steam sterilization.
Photos: U.S. Customs and Border Protection