Rodent, Primate Meat Seized At Detroit Metro Airport

ROMULUS, MI — Customs and Border Protection officials seized more than 60 pounds of potentially disease-ridden bushmeat from two separate travelers within a week at Detroit Metro Airport last month.

In the first incident, officials found 11 pounds of rodent meat from Togo, a country in West Africa, during a baggage examination, officials said.

The second incident happened just days later when officials found 52 pounds of primate meat, which was determined to be antelope, from the Central African nation of Gabon, officials said.

Officials said both travelers also had additional, undeclared agricultural items in their possession.

Officials turned over the illegal bushmeat to the CDC and fined each traveler $300 for the undeclared items.

Bushmeat refers to meat from wild animals like bats, non-human primates, and cane rats from certain regions of the world that poses a significant communicable disease risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"These recent bushmeat interceptions are significant in bringing attention to the illegal importation of bushmeat through our ports of entry," said Port Director Fadia Pastilong. "This also showcases how we work with our partner agencies to prevent a potential disease outbreak."

Officials said rodent-type bushmeat interceptions are sporadic at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, while primate interceptions are much rarer.

In parts of Africa, bushmeat is considered a cultural delicacy and is often consumed raw or subject to minimal processing, which increases risk of disease proliferation. Ebola, mpox and other emerging diseases can have catastrophic consequences if they enter human populations.

"We routinely find various agriculture items and oddities—live giant snails, animal skulls, and exotic food items—but most times it’s not a malicious act," Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon said. "Despite this, it’s our duty to protect the homeland and preventing certain food and animal products from entering the U.S. is essential to public health."