It’s not a typical crack down.
But federal officials at the U.S. ports of entry in the Rio Grande Valley want to remind the public about limits to importing cascarones.
“With the Easter festivities right around the corner, CBP is reminding the traveling public that cascarones (confetti-filled eggshells) are restricted to quantities of 12 per passenger and the shells may be decorated, etched, or painted but they must be clean, dry, and free of any egg residue,” officials said Thursday. “They may contain confetti or other unregulated items.”
According to federal authorities, cascarones are a restricted commodity because of efforts to prevent further spread of Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) through contaminated eggshells.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Newcastle disease is a highly contagious, fatal viral disease that affects a substantial number of bird species, attacking respiratory, nervous and digestive systems. Mortality is up to 90 percent of exposed birds.
HPAI is also a viral disease that can cause exceptionally high mortality, especially in turkeys. The virus infects chickens, turkeys, ducks, partridges, pheasants, quail, pigeons, and ostriches. Effectively all birds are considered to be at risk of infection.
In addition, official control measures for both diseases effectively disrupt trade in poultry products from affected areas.
“CBP would like to remind the public that fresh eggs, raw chicken, and live birds or poultry continue to be prohibited from entry,” officials said Thursday. “Attempting to bring in these or other prohibited agricultural items would lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1000.”
On a typical day last year, CBP agriculture specialists across the nation seized more than 3,000 prohibited plants, meats, animal byproducts, and soils and intercepted 250 insect pests.
