Bushmeat banned: US Customs warns travellers against bringing wild animal meat into America
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has warned travellers that bushmeat is strictly prohibited from entering the country, as part of a wide range of items banned by federal law to protect public health, safety and American plant and animal life.
In an advisory to international travellers, CBP reminded passengers that before returning from a trip abroad, they should check the agency's restricted and prohibited items list to ensure they do not carry goods that could land them in trouble with US authorities.
Bushmeat, which refers to meat from wild animals hunted in Africa and other regions, is explicitly listed as a prohibited item. The ban is enforced by CBP officers who work alongside federal agencies including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why bushmeat is banned
According to CBP, the products prevented from entering the United States are those that would injure community health, public safety, American workers, children, or domestic plant and animal life, or those that would defeat national interests.
The agency noted that sometimes the products that cause injury, or have the potential to do so, may seem fairly innocent. "But, as you will see from the material that follows, appearances can be deceiving," the advisory stated.
Bushmeat has been linked to the transmission of deadly diseases, including Ebola, and poses a significant risk to American agriculture and wildlife. The importation of wild animal meat can introduce foreign animal diseases that could devastate US livestock populations.
Prohibited vs restricted items
CBP distinguishes between prohibited and restricted items. Prohibited means the item is forbidden by law to enter the United States. Examples of prohibited items include dangerous toys, cars that do not protect their occupants in a crash, bushmeat, and illegal substances such as absinthe and Rohypnol.
Restricted means that special licences or permits are required from a federal agency before the item is allowed to enter the United States. Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by-products, and some animals.
Advice for travellers
Before leaving for a trip abroad, CBP advises travellers to check with the agency about the items they plan to bring back to be sure they are not prohibited or restricted. The agency noted that it has been entrusted with enforcing hundreds of laws for forty other government agencies.
CBP officers are always at ports of entry and assume the responsibility of protecting America from all threats, the agency stated. Travellers who attempt to bring bushmeat into the United States risk having the items seized and could face penalties.
The warning is particularly relevant for travellers from West African countries where bushmeat is commonly consumed and sometimes packed for travel to the United States for cultural or dietary reasons. CBP has urged all international travellers to familiarise themselves with US import laws before travelling to avoid complications at ports of entry.
