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CBP Disrupts Bird's Nest Travel

Release Date
Thu, 10/12/2017

Agriculture specialists seize 54 prohibited edible nests

DALLAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport seized 54 edible bird’s nests tucked among personal items in a traveler’s luggage.

edible bird's nest
These edible bird's nests were seized
and destroyed using steam sterilization
because they can carry harmful diseases.

These items, considered a delicacy in some countries, are prohibited from entering the U.S. as they can carry Newcastle Disease or the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) virus.The passenger, who was arriving from Vietnam, did not declare the items.

During the passenger’s baggage examination, CBP agriculture specialists discovered the bird’s nests concealed in the luggage.“CBP’s agriculture mission requires that we safeguard America’s agricultural and natural resources,” said CBP Port Director Cleatus P. Hunt Jr. “Our agriculture specialists recognize the importance of intercepting these types of smuggling attempts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and harmful pests that have not been introduced into our agriculture. Seizures like this one keep that threat at bay.”

CBP seized these edible bird's nests
Though considered a delicacy, these
edible bird's nests are prohibited from
entering the U.S.

Birds’ nests are created from the solidified saliva of birds and are used to make a soup or broth. In some cultures they are considered a prized possession due to their high nutritional value and exceptional taste. Birds’ nests are high in calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. However since bird’s nests are considered likely carriers of infectious diseases they are prohibited from entry to the U.S. The birds’ nests were seized and destroyed using steam sterilization.

Travelers are encouraged to visit the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or CBP’s websites for information about bringing food and agriculture items into the United States.

On a typical day in fiscal year 2016, CBP agriculture specialists discovered 4638 materials that required quarantine or destruction including plant, meat, animal byproduct and soil.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021