Charred bat meat seized from luggage of man flying into the US, officials say

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized 3 1/2 pounds of “charred bat meat” from the luggage of a man flying into the U.S., according to a press release from the agency.

The man arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport from Ghana on April 5, according to the agency.

Bat meat is considered a bushmeat and is a regular source of protein in many African countries, according to the agency, but it is illegal to import into the United States.

Bats are considered to be vectors for diseases such as Ebola, according to the agency.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that COVID-19 likely originated in bats.

Customs agents seized the bat meat and turned it over to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for examination, the release says.

The man was also carrying 12 pounds of Tetrapleura — a plant native to Western Africa — eggplants and turkey berries, the release says.

Customs agents seized and destroyed the fruit products and released the man, according to the release.

“Customs and Border Protection . . . strongly encourages all international travelers to know what they can and cannot pack in their baggage before visiting the United States.,” said Daniel Escobedo, Customs and Border Protection area port director for the area port of Washington, D.C.

Prohibited products include “fruits, bushmeat, traditional meat dishes from family overseas, sandwiches or pizza from airport concessions, and propagative plants,” the release reads.

This story was originally published April 15, 2022 at 7:34 PM with the headline "Charred bat meat seized from luggage of man flying into the US, officials say."