MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) made a rather unusual discovery when they inspected a small box containing giraffe fecal material. On September 29, a passenger returning from Kenya arrived at MSP and was selected for inspection by CBP agriculture specialists. The passenger declared giraffe feces, stating her intention to craft a necklace out of the droppings, and mentioned having used moose feces for a similar purpose in the past.
The CBP agriculture specialists, recognizing the potential risks associated with importing fecal matter into the U.S., promptly seized the box. Following the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) destruction protocol, the giraffe excrement was destroyed via steam sterilization.
CBP Director, Field Operations-Chicago Field Office, LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, emphasized the dangers of bringing fecal matter into the country, stating, “There is a real danger with bringing fecal matter into the U.S. If this person had entered the U.S. without declaring these items, there is a high possibility that a person could have contracted a disease from this jewelry and developed serious health issues.”
What might appear as an unusual seizure is rooted in the need to safeguard against the introduction of foreign diseases and pests. All ruminant animal feces, including giraffe droppings, require a Veterinary Services Permit for entry into the United States. Kenya, the source of the giraffe feces, is known to be affected by African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, Newcastle disease, Foot and Mouth disease, and Swine Vesicular Disease.
CBP Area Port Director-Minnesota, Augustine Moore, underscored the crucial role of CBP’s agriculture specialists in mitigating the threat of non-native pests, diseases, and contaminants entering the United States. He noted that these specialists possess extensive training and experience in the biological and agriculture sciences, enabling them to effectively inspect travelers and their belongings for potential risks.
In this case, their diligence in identifying and confiscating giraffe feces highlights the CBP’s commitment to maintaining the safety and health of the American public by preventing the introduction of foreign agricultural threats.