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CBP recently seized nearly 1,500 pounds of prohibited meat from Hong Kong

U.S Customs and Border Protection agricultural specialists in Louisville, KY recently prevented nearly 1,500 pounds of prohibited meat products from entering the United States.

From August 20 to August 28, 13 shipments of meat products headed from a company in Hong Kong to the same company in New York were not declared to avoid detection.  In total, more than 1,100 pounds of pork, nearly 300 pounds of poultry, and nearly 90 pounds of other prohibited foods were seized. 

Pork products from Hong Kong are banned due to outbreaks of African swine fever, classical swine fever, and swine vesicular disease in the region.  All imports of pork products from Hong Kong are prohibited without applicable USDA Veterinary Services permits.  Avian products from Hong Kong are also prohibited because of Virulent Newcastle Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 

LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke director, field operations, Chicago field office says the seizures highlight the role CBP ag specialists play in preventing diseases from entering the U.S. 

Photo courtesy US Customs and Border Protection