Egg seizures at US borders outpace fentanyl amid bird flu-induced poultry shortage

Border statistics reveal eggs are being intercepted extra ceaselessly than fentanyl at US borders, coinciding with nationwide poultry shortages because of bird flu outbreak.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) information signifies 5,572 egg product seizures within the present fiscal 12 months, in comparison with 15,955 interceptions in fiscal 12 months 2024 and 16,541 in fiscal 12 months 2023. For comparability, fentanyl seizures in fiscal 12 months 2025 totalled 413, amounting to six,184 kilos, while fiscal 12 months 2024 noticed 1,116 seizures totalling 21,889 kilos, as reported by USA Today.
The San Diego CBP workplace reported a 158 per cent rise in egg interceptions since fiscal 12 months 2024. They cautioned travellers about potential fines for bringing prohibited gadgets, together with uncooked eggs from Mexico, because of illness dangers. “It is critical that we keep our traveling public informed to safeguard our agricultural industry while continuing to facilitate legitimate trade and travel,” Sidney Aki, CBP director of subject operations in San Diego, stated in a information launch.
Agricultural officers proceed addressing a extreme avian influenza outbreak (different title for bird flu) that has decimated home bird populations and affected egg and poultry costs.
Travellers should declare agricultural gadgets to CBP officers and specialists or threat fines as much as $10,000. The importation of recent eggs, uncooked hen and stay birds from Mexico is prohibited. All fruits, greens, crops, minimize flowers, meat merchandise and stay animals require declaration.
Egg costs proceed rising regardless of inflation easing. February’s common US metropolis value for a dozen giant grade A eggs reached $5.90, up from January’s $4.95 and December’s $4.14.
The shortage has led the US to hunt egg imports from Denmark and different European nations, in keeping with the Danish egg affiliation through Reuters. Despite President Trump’s pledge to cut back costs, February noticed a 59% year-on-year enhance.